My special education classroom is designed for students with cognitive disabilities. Most of the students are autistic and have sensory processing needs. Ball chairs allow the students to focus while still acquiring their sensory needs. Movement helps the central nervous system, brain, and body.
The students in my room are middle school special education students with a variety of needs.
Some are non-verbal and need visual schedules to help them. All are cognitively disabled and require a lot of individualized attention. They all deserve the best education to help them be productive members of our society.
My Project
Currently, my room has desks with the chairs attached. This does not allow my students to move at all. Middle school is a time of growth. Not being able to move your chair back to allow for growing legs/bodies is extremely difficult for anyone, much less a student with special needs. "There is a neurological pathway that goes from your body's balance and movement system to your alert system in your brain. Movement actually allows for alertness and attention," says Diana Henry, occupational therapist.
Allowing students movement while at their desks, will direct their natural kinesthetic energy and need for movement in a positive way.
Ball chairs channel their physical energy, allowing them to focus on their work more completely and reach their full potential as learners.
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. Block and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
