My students need an area in my classroom where they can read and work comfortably outside of the traditional desk and chair seating. I would love to be able to provide this for them.
I"d give them the world, but for now, a magical room will do. My students are in an intense intervention program for kids that are more than 2 years below grade level. In order to learn, students need to feel safe and comfortable. They work incredibly hard, some who come to me in the 5th grade unable to read basic sight words. Some are newcomers to the United States, while others have lost "the love of learning" and have given up on themselves. My job is help them see their potential and strengths, and to be their cheerleader and mentor so they can be successful and feel excited about their futures.
I'd like to provide the type of environment in my classroom where students realize school is calming, fun, and conducive to learning; a place where when they walk through my door, they feel at home and ready to tackle any challenge!
Thank you for your support.
My Project
Comfort creates an open mind to learning. My students deserve the best and why not provide a little slice of heaven for them? During their morning English Language Arts time, students are in an intense immersion of English and independent reading, while I explicitly teach a small group of 8, and yet another group is in a technology application. Three groups will be rotating through this area. This independent reading area seems to be the most difficult for students and where they seem to struggle the most.
The alternate seating (bean bag chairs/pillows) provides a sense of calm outside of the traditional desks and chairs.
The pillows are another option for alternate seating, as some students like to sit directly on these while on the floor. The lamp will provide lighting outside of the fluorescent light bulbs in most classrooms; it is more of a natural light and easier on the eyes. The tree also provides a feel of nature, which can also calm the minds of many of my students. Since we take brain breaks throughout the day, the gong and bowl is used while we stretch briefly or wind down with yoga after our intense learning. The book will be read to them within the first weeks of school as I introduce the concept of growth mindset and how all of our brains are capable of learning.
They are reading eBooks or aloud to themselves. To see their eyes when they walk in my room this year will be priceless! Last year we made incredible academic gains and I look forward to seeing additional growth this year. Thank you for supporting us!
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