I teach 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies, and 6th-8th grade Reading Intervention. The students who share my classroom range from the highest-achieving to those most in need of inspiration in order to discover the love of reading and increase their achievements. They are spirited and culturally diverse middle schoolers, with equally-diverse learning needs. My students have big ideas, are eager learners, and have ambitious goals for their future. One thing they all have in common is that their bodies often need to move while they’re learning. They lean in their chairs, wiggle while they work, and many even prefer to stand and work. And, guess what? Current research shows that creating an environment that supports this movement greatly increases students’ learning!
Ideally, all of these students would benefit from from what we call flexible seating: chairs that rock, soft, movable stools, waist-high desks, soft cushions, etc.
Throughout the day, my students move around the room to engage in group conversations, work in partners, and find spaces and places to read. My students are enthusiastic and engaged, and would greatly benefit from seating options that facilitate their eagerness to learn.
My Project
What we know about the middle school student is that he/she often learns best when their learning style can be accommodated within the classroom. Rarely does this age child conform to the typical “one size fits all” classroom chair! If we are able to validate the child’s natural inclination to move by offering more flexible seating choices, experience has shown that it increases students’ absorption in their work.
Currently, the traditional seating I have in my classroom does not provide opportunities for flexibility.
I have students who are extremely excited about the prospect of a standing desk, because they know that if they can stand while they listen and work, they will become better students. In my reading classes, students are craving a place to curl up on the floor as they become enmeshed in their reading, but, as of now, I don't have any cushions or places to help make this an inviting option. I have worked hard to develop and grow a library full of books that students will enjoy, but my library is not complete or totally inviting without the comfort of floor cushions and a bean bag chair or two. Additionally, since my students move around the room to work in groups or partners, they now use inexpensive stools which can be moved around the room easily. These have worked so well, I even use them myself when conferring and helping students one-on-one and in small groups. However, these stools now need to be replaced and augmented due to their constant use.
Please help us create a classroom environment that increases student engagement through flexible work station choices.
Calico Designs 51231 Sierra Height Adjustable Desk, White/Cherry
• Amazon Business
$173.94
2
$347.88
Kore Patented WOBBLE Chair, Made in the USA, Active Sitting for Toddler, Pre-School, Kids, and Pre-Teens; Kids don't have to sit still anymore - "The BEST seat in any Classroom"! - Black
• Amazon Business
$79.99
4
$319.96
Big Joe Milano Chair, Sapphire
• Amazon Business
$38.39
2
$76.78
Tufted Support Padded Boosted Cushion, Blue
• Amazon Business
$18.99
4
$75.96
Materials cost
$820.58
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$75.08
3rd party payment processing fee
$12.31
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$937.97
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$165.52
Total project goal
$1,103.49
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$1,103.49
9 Donors
-$883.49
Donations toward project cost
-$750.97
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$132.52
match offer
-$220.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$187.00
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. Eastman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
