As adults, when we get home at night and need to settle into a task, we have the flexibility and choice in selecting a place to work in our homes that is comfortable and productive. It's my vision to give my students that same seating choice in the classroom.
I teach 5th grade in a K-5 school in rural Maine.
My class size hovers around 18 students; last year, my class had four girls and 13 boys. It was last year that my eyes really opened to the need to have some alternative seating options in my classroom. My class was a very active, mobile class, and frequently they needed the opportunity to take movement breaks. Sitting in a hard plastic chair and working at a desk was not always the most productive choice for my students. Some worked better standing up, sitting on floor mats, and sitting in my teacher chair (the swivel chair in the classroom). As I monitored and reflected on their seating choices, I did observe that the choice and comfort they found with alternative seating options did indeed increase their productivity and willingness to learn.
My Project
This year, my classroom has an assortment of desks and tables. The room is arranged so students can choose to work alone, with a partner, or with a group at a table. For seating, I am striving to have an assortment of chairs available as well. Last year, we had one exercise ball that was used very productively as a seat. This year, I am hoping for two "Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chairs" as an extra seating option in my classroom. These chairs allow students to move in their seats, yet unlike an exercise ball, these chairs also have wheels on the bottom and a back to the chair, to support posture and prevent the ball from moving about the classroom.
When students feel like they have the tools to succeed, they will succeed.
Giving my mobile, fidgety, active learners a tool that will help them be productive is just the type of successful tool that is missing and needed in my classroom. We all know how important it is to have a workspace that we are comfortable in, and that is exactly what I am trying to create for my students. These Gaiam balance ball chairs will get my class that much closer to that goal.
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 Ms. Muzzy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.