First graders are typically very active. They love to be moving and dancing. Stand up desks could give my students the opportunity to move and still be involved in classroom learning.
Currently, I have a classroom full of rambunctious six and seven year olds.
They love to talk and are very proud of what they know. They will eagerly tell you how they solved a math problem or volunteer to read. Many of my students suffer from ADHD which requires them to have opportunities to move. Many of our students receive free and reduced lunches, and a good portion of them do not have parental support at home. Our school is full of loving teachers who are focused on our students as children. Our mission is to do "Whatever It Takes" for our students.
My Project
I have requested stand up desks for my classroom. A few months ago, my husband introduced this concept to me. As I researched stand up desks further, I thought it was a neat idea, but did not give it much thought. The few weeks following our discussion, spring fever hit. I was sitting in my room one day trying to teach a lesson, but could not because I was so distracted by all the moving body parts! I thought to myself, "I need those stand up desks!" I have students in my classroom who stand up most of the time that they are working at their desks. While this is better for them than sitting down, they often have to arch their backs to reach their desktop. I would love to have a classroom full of stand up desks to give my students the opportunity to stand without having to sacrifice their body or their quality of work.
I believe that these desks will provide a healthy outlet for students who need to stand and move.
Studies have also shown the health benefits of standing desks. According to www.standupkids.org, the average American student sits for 4.5 hours a day at school. I want to spark my students to lead a healthy and active lifestyle for years to come. In addition to having healthier kids, I believe that these desks will help my students be more focused and engaged in the classroom.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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. Moreland and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.