Our school is fortunate to be located in an area with a mild climate in fall and spring. Air conditioning is part of our home and school life all day long, most of the year. Sitting in over-conditioned classrooms with rigid seats for 80 minute classes can be tedious and difficult for many young adults with the best attention spans. Luckily our school has several grass-covered courtyards within the secure campus, one right outside my classroom that I often take my students to for class.
Take it outside!
Our students all have their own mobile learning devices and wifi is available inside and outside of the building. Moving the learning environment outside promotes creativity and breaks up the monotony of classroom seating. Fresh air and freedom of movement create a very positive learning environment. Unfortunately, we have to sit on the grass or concrete and watch out for ants. We would love to have some outdoor seating.
My Project
We will use these benches in our courtyard whenever we can take our lesson outside. They could be used every fine day we have, and here, that's a lot!
I teach students of all high school levels and everyone of them can benefit from moving the learning environment outdoors whenever possible.
If students are working individually, on assignments, on their iPads, we can easily do this outside! Group work runs efficiently and smoothly outside. For group activities where students record themselves in conversations, we can do it outside! It would be great to not worry about grass stains or ant bites from sitting on the ground. Natural light and fresh air contribute greatly to a happy, engaged student. Now who wouldn't want that?
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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. Bausch and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.