My students need a variety of flexible seating options to optimize their learning! The ability to move is essential for the growing minds of second graders. Balance balls, wobble cushions and stools are all fun options!
It’s difficult to put into words what I see and experience everyday as the teacher of 21 second graders. 21 unique minds, 21 unique personalities, and 21 unique cultures and backgrounds. Countries of origin may be located in Africa and Central America, as well as many students coming from the United States. Our school is located in the heart of a low income neighborhood. This is reflected in our classroom through the necessity of free and reduced lunches offered to 100% of students at our school. The need is also reflected in the “Snack Packs” sent home every Friday and the healthy snacks given to each student every single day.
My students are 7 to 8 years old, but many have experienced more tragedy, more trauma, than I ever knew existed when I was their age.
Every time they walk through our classroom door, it is my goal, my duty, to ensure each and every one of my students feels safe and loved. If they do not feel that way at home, they need it more than ever at school.
My Project
Currently, I look across my classroom and see 21 desks arranged neatly (at times) next to one another. As I’m teaching a lesson, I notice one child fall out of his chair, maybe repeatedly, due to poor core muscle strength. Two students wiggle and twist and turn not just once or twice, but constantly—ADHD, this movement is what their body needs to do. The balance balls, and wobble cushions will help these students, along with others who just like to wiggle! And if you look below each desk, chances are high that more than just a few pairs of feet will be tapping. Having the bouncy bands and kick bands on chairs or desks will be a great option here! Some students may feel more comfortable close to the ground, in a bean bag like chair with a clipboard—or up higher on a stool.
Teaching is not constantly reminding kids to “sit still,” it is allowing these 8 year olds the movement they need to keep their brains alert and ready to learn what we have to teach them.
I’m 25 and it takes all I have to sit still during a staff meeting—so I can only imagine what my second graders feel like sitting at their desks the majority of the day. For some students, this movement is a necessity. For others, it may be the physical “workout” their body needs in order to build core strength. By eliminating desks, we would also be eliminating the distractions inside them, allowing a student’s focus to stay on the lesson or activity. The variety in seating and power of choosing where, or how, to sit can be the extra boost these second grade minds need to stay engaged during our lessons.
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball - Flexible School Chair, Active Classroom Desk Seating with Stay-Put Stability Legs, Includes Air Pump, Blue, 45cm
• Amazon Business
$19.43
6
$116.58
Bintiva round balance disc purple 33cm
• Amazon Business
$16.39
5
$81.95
Norwood Commercial Furniture NOR-STOOLBB-SO Plastic Stack Stools, 17 3/4" Height, 11 3/4" Wide, 11 3/4" Length, Black Legs (Pack of 5)
• Amazon Business
$59.99
1
$59.99
Bouncy Bands for Desks (Black)
• Amazon Business
$14.95
4
$59.80
Intex Beanless Bag Inflatable Chair, 42" X 41" X 27", Beige
• Amazon Business
$20.07
2
$40.14
Trade Quest Letter Size Clipboards Low Profile Clip, Hardboard (Pack of 12)
• Amazon Business
$16.45
2
$32.90
Kick Bands Bouncy Chair Fidget Bands (10-Pack) - Improves Focus For School Kids and Classroom Students - ADHD ADD SPD Autism Sensory Needs - Bounce & Stretch Foot Band For Chairs by Solace
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
Materials cost
$419.35
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$23.06
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.29
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$478.70
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$84.48
Total project goal
$563.18
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$563.18
5 Donors
-$413.18
Donations toward project cost
-$351.20
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$61.98
match offer
-$150.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$127.50
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Noordsy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
