My students are culturally diverse with many challenges that range from language barriers to homelessness. There is an economic diversity in my district that makes it difficult to level the playing field for these young learners to discover the excitement of successful learning. These amazing children, given the opportunities can soar to academic heights and build confidence that lead to success in all aspects of life.
My students have a variety of learning styles and academic needs.
Instruction for all students means thinking outside the box in my classroom. I love seeing when each of my students finds their own path through exploration to discovery and understanding. As a life long learner, I am always working to improve the environment which in turn will spur on more investigation and learning. Michelangelo recognized that each block of marble revealed to him the beautiful sculpture within. Taking a page from Michelangelo's book, I cannot reveal the beauty, exquisite individuality and learning by pouring things into or adding on to the students before me. My students shine best when they are encouraged to reveal the bright stars that they are in an environment the fosters discovery and exploration.
My Project
I am so excited to see my students start to grow and learn as they spend more and more time reading in their own space on the floor in my classroom. We are focusing on the Daily 5 independent reading program in my classroom. We have begun to partner read and the students are doing marvelously in building stamina. If there is one roadblock to their success, it would be the comfort of the seating in the classroom. I am so thrilled to have two floor chairs in my classroom, but with so many students, it is hard to make sure every student gets an opportunity to use the floor chairs. I believe that bringing more into the classroom will benefit more students.
The boys in my classroom are very wiggly.
The wobble stools and the wiggle cushions will help ground my more active students and help them focus. With the extra sensory input the students will be able to develop a stronger sense of focus, all the while building core strength. In second grade, students see the shift from a fairly unstructured, centers focused environment, to a more classic desk oriented classroom routine. With the flexible seating and the Daily 5 program. I hope to lesson the dramatic shift in the classroom environment.
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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. Melone-Sardella and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
