My students need things that will allow for a flexible learning environment. We would get rid of traditional desks and they would be able to pick how they sit for the day.
My classroom is very diverse in many ways. They all learn differently and they all come from different backgrounds. As a teacher, I try to use these differences to shape my teaching, so that the students can learn to the best of their ability.
It has always been my goal to provide an environment where my students can learn to the best of their ability and feel safe.
It should be a place that they want to come to everyday. I want them to learn and be excited about what they are learning.
My Project
Throughout the day, you can see students itching to move. They want to be up and moving. As a teacher, I have to find a way to make it happen and keep the learning flowing. Students, especially at an elementary level, are meant to move. Over the past couple of years, teachers have been embracing flexible seating within their classroom. I acquired yoga balls for my students to sit on, but I left the desk where they were. Now, I want to take it to the next level.
I have decided that I want to turn my classroom into a functioning learning environment that offers my students choices to learn to the best of their ability.
According to research by Matthew T Mahar, et al, he finds that simple in-class activities can boost performance. Studies suggest that children who participate in short bouts of physical activity within the classroom have more on-task behavior, with the best improvement seen in students who are least on-task initially. He is one of many researchers that have supported flexible seating within the classroom.
We should be providing students with the very best opportunities that we can at school. I feel that a starting point is through a flexible learning environment. I want my students to feel comfortable while they learn, so that they are more engaged.
To start this project, I will be getting alternate seating and places for the students to store their things. Currently, I have yoga balls in my classroom, so I am requesting stools, bungee chairs, and beanbag chairs for more options for seating. I want my students to be able to sit in whatever they feel most comfortable in. I am also requesting cubicles and bookshelves to have a place to store their supplies and books within the classroom.
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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 Ms. Gust and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
