Every class in college tells you the same thing: every child is different and has a unique set of learning needs. I had heard this over and over but never truly realized its profound truth. In my first class I had a huge variety of students from autistic kiddos with individual sensory needs to severely ADHD friends with a constant need for movement. I made sure my lesson plans were designed to reach all different kinds of learners and levels of ability; yet, I expected all of them to learn in the same physical setting--- sitting at a desk.
I finally realized that all my work to to reach each individual student's academic needs would only go so far if I didn't also reach their individual physical needs.
Flexible seating is a new way of organizing a classroom in which students are provided with choice in where and how they sit while learning. While some students may choose to sit at a traditional desk for their best learning, other students may choose to sit on a yoga ball to help with pent up wiggles, and some may choose to stand at a table while working.
My Project
This year, I was able to start my journey with flexible seating by providing my students with a few options that allowed them to get their wiggles out while they learned. Recently, we took the first of three of our state standardized tests and the difference in that experience has solidified my belief that flexible seating is a valuable part of my students' learning. In past years, testing days have been rigid and tense feeling. This year, my students were relaxed and comfortable as they were able to wiggle and sit in a way that was comfortable and natural for them.
The items that I am requesting are all items that I have already seen effectively help my students' learning; however, I have a limited supply of these options.
The wobble stools, yoga balls, chair bands, and fidget toys are valuable tools for students that tend to be more active and need opportunities for movement while learning. Ear canceling muffs are useful for students that tend to prefer a quiet environment. My goal is to be able to provide each of my students the things that best help them as individuals learn. I hope to achieve this by providing a variety of options for each student to discover what works best for them.
Learniture Active Learning Stool, 18" H, Navy, LNT-3046-18NV
• Amazon Business
$57.45
3
$172.35
Learniture Active Learning Stool, 20" H, Navy, LNT-3046-20NV
• Amazon Business
$62.66
1
$62.66
Pro For Sho 34dB Shooting Ear Protection - Special Designed Ear Muffs Lighter Weight & Maximum Hearing Protection - Standard Size, Teal
• Amazon Business
$16.97
2
$33.94
Trideer Exercise Ball Chair, 65cm&75cm Stability Ball with Ring & Pump, Flexible Seating, Improves Balance, Core Strength & Posture (Office & Home & Classroom) (Ball with Ring (Turkis), 65cm)
• Amazon Business
$32.99
1
$32.99
Chair Bands for Kids with Fidgety Feet :: Fidget Bands for School Classroom Chairs, Ideal for ADHD, Autism, Hyperactivity :: 20" x 2" x 3/64", Affordable Alternative to Bouncy Bands
• Amazon Business
$27.97
1
$27.97
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, 52cm
• Amazon Business
$19.98
1
$19.98
Set of 3! Tangle Jr. Original Fidget Toy
• Amazon Business
$13.99
1
$13.99
Materials cost
$363.88
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.46
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$399.34
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$70.47
Total project goal
$469.81
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$469.81
2 Donors
-$452.34
Donations toward project cost
-$399.34
Donations 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. Bishop and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
