My students need flexible seating options for the classroom which will give them power of choice and responsibility in the learning community. We need saucer chairs, inflatable chairs, camping chairs, and a Spider-Man Web Chair.
In many ways, my students are very typical middle school students. They like to hang out with friends, play sports, and talk about the latest music, celebrities, movies, etc. They also aren't always excited about school or having to do classwork. In these ways, they are very typical preteens and teenagers. In other ways, though, they are very different from the "normal" middle school student.
The students in classroom all bring their own unique challenges that require a small group setting and highly individualized education.
My students are all children with disabilities and are served in a self-contained special education classroom. They are all incredible and bring their own strengths to the learning environment. Even with these strengths, my students require modified instruction to meet theirs educational, social, and emotional needs.
My Project
Because my students are self-contained, they are in the same classroom for most of the day. While I try to give them opportunities to get up, move around, and change seating, we are still very limited. My students don't get to rotate classes like the rest of the school, so flexible seating can provide a momentary break that they might need.
Flexible seating also gives students the power to choose and a little bit of variety in an otherwise structured, routine-driven day.
When my students have a say in their learning, they tend to give me their best effort and attitude. A break from the typical desk or table/chair arrangement can also lead to sustained focus.
Choice gives them a sense of independence and responsibility. Flexible seating teaches them that we must make responsible choices when given options. If they misbehave or misuse the flexible seating, they will lose that option. They can also work toward a favorite seat by demonstrating good work ethic and behavior.
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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. Goetowski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.