My students need desk cycles that fit under the desk to keep moving while writing.
FULLY FUNDED! Dr. Barber's classroom raised $1,252
This project is fully funded
My Students
Ugh! It’s time for ELA and we have to write. I’m tired; I don’t want to; I can’t think of anything to say. Sound familiar? According to the National Association of Education (NEA), a 2008 study found that children actually need to move to focus during a complicated mental task.
Our Middle School has over 1,000 sixth, seventh & eighth grade students.
98% receive free or reduced lunch. 72% read below grade level. Students are required to take physical education for a nine week period (every other day only) once a year. Other than that, there are no forms of recess or much movement during the school day.
My Project
What if ELA wasn’t quite so sedentary? What if we could pump the blood to the brain while composing our essays? Middle school students are the first to face a loss of recess. They move in lines between classes right next door to each other. Other than the students who get physical fitness for nine weeks, there is no real chance to move their bodies. The desk cycle may be their chance to move and work at the same time.
The possibilities abound.
Imagining tracking mileage and when they’ve ridden the distance to an author’s home, it will be time to Skype with that author. Or having a race between classes to see who moves the furthest while writing the best essays. Or biking across America while reading the stories of the country. Or just opening up another opportunity for students to move and feel good. Help us show this works!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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