My students walk into our fourth grade classroom each day fuIl of life, energy, and ready to take on new adventures. Their excitement is inspiring and fuels my desire to make fourth grade their best school year yet.
As a teacher in a very small, rural school in Northern Maine, these students truly become "my kids" throughout the year.
The majority of my students receive free and or reduced lunch, and for many of these students, these school meals are their best meals of the day. Our little school goes above and beyond to give students opportunities and experiences to enrich them academically, socially, and emotionally.
In our classroom, we celebrate success, encourage one another to work through challenges, and work to create a tight-knit community of learners. Health and movement is at the core of my instruction, as nine and ten year olds cannot be expected to sit in one spot for an entire day. They need to move in order to wake up their bodies and engage their minds. These students dream big, and I always encourage them to never stop dreaming, as these goals are the basis for what success is built on.
My Project
Nine and ten year olds love to move. Sitting in a classroom all day, in a traditional chair, causes students to be uncomfortable, unfocused, and unengaged. Seating options that allow for appropriate movement, as well as fidget toys that help students focus, lead to increased engagement and academic successes.
My students love to move around the room during independent and center-based work times, but unfortunately, we are very limited in seating choices.
The cold, hard floor is often the only option aside from traditional desks. We were lucky enough to have a grant funded last year for five wobble chairs that are used at our small group table. These chairs have made a world of difference for my students. The students gravitate toward small group time and are incredibly focused. They love the chairs and have requested more seating options.
I find it incredibly powerful when a nine year old can voice that he enjoys school now that he is allowed to move with flexible seating options. When that same student attributes a simple stool to that change in him, it's amazing. Students continue to voice their desire for multiple seating options as well as fidget toys. The fidget toys give them the opportunity to get the "wiggles" out when they do need to sit in traditional seats without interrupting the rest of the class. I truly hope that this project can become a reality for my students - they deserve every opportunity to learn in the most nurturing environment possible. I know that we can accomplish wonderful things if we're focused, engaged, and excited about school!
Virco ZROCK15 Student Chair, Cobalt Blue Soft Plastic Shell, 15" seat height, Chrome Frame (2 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$195.32
2
$390.64
Norwood Commercial Furniture NOR-1101AC-SO Plastic Stack Stools, 17.75" Height, 11.75" Width, 11.75" Length, Assorted (Pack of 5)
• Amazon Business
$48.72
1
$48.72
FIDGET TOY (Package of 8) - Increase Focus Reduce Stress - Quiet and Soothing Gadget for Children and Adults - Has helped with ADHD ADD OCD Autism
• Amazon Business
$17.97
1
$17.97
Materials cost
$457.33
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$22.87
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.86
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$517.06
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$91.25
Total project goal
$608.31
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$608.31
2 Donors
-$147.00
Donations toward project cost
-$124.95
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$22.05
match offer
-$461.31
Match offer toward project cost
-$392.11
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Mrs. Shelly and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
