Help me give my students an inviting classroom environment that uses various seating options, tables, and the freedom to move around so my curious thinkers can focus and engage in our lessons where they are comfortable.
My energetic first graders are a hard working group of students with mixed interests, abilities, as well as varying strengths, weakness, and goals. These inquisitive students face challenges head on and work hard to overcome obstacles every day.
While my first graders have a true thirst for knowledge, many struggle with the traditional desk and chair space arrangement that my classroom offers.
I would love to provide them with an inviting environment that fosters a love of learning, discovering, and exploring.
My Project
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make choices that work best for them. During independent work times, they choose a location in the classroom where they feel most comfortable and can focus to complete their assignments. Currently my classroom has a traditional desk and chair setup. While that works for some, it is not a one size fits all environment. Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them. I have noticed amazing differences in my students simply by offering them a clipboard and allowing them to stretch out on the floor, choose a spot in the room to read, or give them the option to stand vs. sit at their desk. They almost always make good choices about where they sit, are focused, and get more work completed than when they are just sitting at their desk.
My students are noticeably more engaged in their work and less disruptive of their peers when they are given a choice of where to work.
The products that I have selected will help my students by giving them additional seating options to make more effective learning choices. The Hokki stools will allow students to sit at a desk or table, but will still allow for some movement. These will be extremely beneficial for students that just need to get the wiggles out. The comfy floor cushions, lap desks, and foldable chairs will allow for additional floor seating options that are lightweight and can be easily used in many areas of the classroom, while the tall stools and ottomans offer seating options at various heights.
I have seen how even simple choices can positively affect my students work and behavior, and I hope that the additional options will help us grow even more!
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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 Mrs. Gerardi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
