Within the realm of my classroom, I have a plethora of nationalities, personalities, and learning abilities represented. I try to meet the needs of this diverse population. Differentiation comes in many forms from seating, classroom arrangement, content delivery, student choice, and blended learning (a combination of technology and paper pencil tasks)
My students strive to meet their potential through the use of creativity, technology, and innovations in the classroom.
We incorporate their interests with the curriculum to help them achieve the learning goals they have set. Knowing the sky is the limit they feel safe taking risks daily.
My Project
A simple change in environment can be all students need to help break up monotony, increase engagement, and support attention span and focus. Minute changes can provide exceptional results for students in the classroom. One change that we have implemented for the past two years was using stability balls, NeoRok stools, and yoga ball chairs to replace standard chairs. I found that students were excited to be able to try them out and that excitement lasted throughout the school year. This year this became especially important because of our area being hit by Hurricane Harvey. The students needed an outlet for their excess energy and in some cases to help calm their anxiety. The stools provided a very small way for the students to keep focused on what was happening inside the classroom instead of the world around them. I have found that the students were more focused and attentive while utilizing the flexible seating options. With certain students, there was a vast improvement in what they were able accomplish with flexible seating options. These alternative chairs increased the level of engagement that my students displayed during small groups and independent working times.
Due to the positive result of this change to my classroom environment, I would like provide more of the most successful option to my students.
In order to accomplish this goal, I will need additional NeoRok stools, with different height options. These items are the same as what has been used in my classroom. The NeoRok stools add the ability for the students to move around while remaining seated. Providing different height options will allow more student to be comfortable while using the stools.
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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. Crittenden and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.