First graders are full of excitement, enthusiasm, and energy! They are curious and eager to learn. I am eager to help engage and facilitate their learning. Developmentally, it is hard for a six or seven year old to stay seated and concentrate on the task at hand without needing to move.
Movement and learning go hand in hand.
Research studies show that when school children are allowed to stand and move memory, attention, mood, and academic achievement all improve.
I want to use flexible seating at my computer stations and group work tables to enhance my student's ability to concentrate and focus while still being able to move as needed.
My Project
The flexible seating materials that I am requesting, for my classroom, such as the wobble chairs and balance ball seats, will help start our first grade year off on the right foot or seat! Switching my classroom from a traditional seating model to one which has flexible seating and work areas will create a more comfortable environment that will help my students be their best learning selves. Good teaching requires differentiation. This sound logic backed by research, also applies to the learning environment. Incorporating flexible seating into my classroom would honor this principle.
I affirm the words of teacher-astronaut Christa McAuliffe: "I touch the future.
I teach." I get to do this daily with my students. I am a lifelong learner, so when I read about best teacher practices, I am all in.
Flexible seating will be able to allow more authentic movement with my first graders while supporting their ability to focus and take ownership of their learning.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Nedwick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.