Childhood obesity has more than doubled in the past 30 years, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC goes on to say that 6.4 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD since 2011. We have hit epidemic proportions and it is up to classrooms to help.
Our school is Title I, and many of our students move around from school to school a lot.
Some even bounce around other states and then come back. "The Leader In Me" has turned this school into a role model for the community. Our students greet visitors with a handshake and a look in the eye. They take pride in their school and every student has a leadership role over something. They talk the talk, and walk the walk. Setting goals and collecting data as they set about achieving those goals is the norm here. In fact, many a surprised visitor has often been asked by very young students, "Would you like to see my leadership notebook?" There aren't a lot of higher paying jobs in our community, but that doesn't stop these students from dreaming big. They are proactive, look for win-win situations, and listen to understand before speaking.
My Project
Today's adults may not associate physical activity with classroom learning. However, kinesthetic learning has been shown to help students improve physical fitness as well as improve student attentiveness and focus through a steady range of motion that increases blood circulation and brain activity. I am working hard to make my classroom a kinesthetic learning classroom. I want students to be able to start the day by choosing a "seat", whether it is a hokki stool to sway on, or a mini elliptical hidden under a table.
It is so easy for anyone to be distracted by external stimuli, but especially young children.
The ability to "get the wiggles out" will help the children focus better, and exercising at the same time is sure to improve physical fitness. Improved attention and fitness will help make these deserving students more successful and confident.
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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. F. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.