Moving Into 21st Century Learning: Creating a Flexible Seating Classroom
My students need wobble chairs, wobble seat cushions, and balance ball seats to improve attention and energy for lessons. My students need a rectangular table to promote cooperative group work.
My students are my "kids" and they always hold a special place in my heart. First graders have that way of warming up your soul with kind words and sweet notes on your desk. My classroom is a diverse community of students from all over the world, speaking multiple languages and bringing their own set of customs and traditions. The students of my classroom come to first grade with a wide variety of talents and abilities. It really amazes me.
I try to create a culture of acceptance and understanding among these precious six and seven year-old children.
I work with students with special needs, like learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. There are also students who are English Language Learners. These unique differences is what makes us a whole. We are a community of learners eager to work hard, take chances, and make the best of every day.
It is this diversity and willingness to learn that inspires me as a teacher. I want to create the best learning environment for these children. That is what they truly deserve! A warm, happy, fun, and innovative place to call their "home" for six hours each day.
My Project
Flexible seating is making a trend into classrooms today. However, it is not just a fad. It is a way of designing your classroom to promote engaged learners and it is backed my research. Students in my class will have options for seating, such as Wobble Chairs, Wobble Cushions and Balance Ball Seats. A choice of seating will allow for more physical activity for students. Students will use an adjustable rectangular table to allow for a different type of work-space for small group learning.
Students in my classroom will have the autonomy to choose an engaging area with various seating that works best for their unique learning style.
Instead of just chairs, students will be able to use comfy cushions and wobble chairs to help support their academic achievement. Benefits of flexible seating include burning more calories, improving core strength, and increased motivation and engagement.
Physical activity is linked to higher academic performance, better health, and improved behavior. I want to provide students with this opportunity every day. My students deserve a 21st century learning environment. One that is innovative, promotes cooperation, and is exciting! With flexible seating, students will be able to achieve success!
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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. Leonard-Bouley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
