My classroom is a place where a lively blend of first and second grade students from a variety of backgrounds come together to build community and learn in a safe, welcoming place. 48% of the students at our school come from economically disadvantaged families. Many are dealing with trauma in their lives. Eleven languages are represented in our population. Meeting the needs of this diverse group of learners requires creativity, flexibility, and love. The space in our classroom is small, but our hearts are big and our potential to learn and grow is huge!
My Project
Many of my students enter my classroom carrying trauma, mental instability, or are in other ways unready to learn. Others have autism or ADHD. Students dealing with fatigue, stress, or just a tough morning also have a tough time engaging with the challenges of learning. Additionally, academic expectations keep rising as recess time continues to shrink. For a variety of reasons, my kids need to MOVE. They are constantly in motion anyway. I want to channel it to help them remain focused on learning and move in a safe way in our classroom.
I have been researching ways to incorporate more movement into my students's days in the classroom.
In addition to giving them the usual wiggle breaks, I want to incorporate balance boards, stepping stones, and beanbags into literacy and math stations. I want to use wiggle cushions and resistance bands to give these kids an opportunity to find stimulation through movement while still being able to do their school work.
After doing a lot of reading, I've discovered that including movement in learning helps to make that information more permanent in the brain. Most of the equipment I'm requesting targets balance and core strengthening, which strongly connected with the ability to focus. Exercise is known to release endorphins which make us feel good and stabilize our emotional state. I believe that this equipment will make learning more fun and encourage more engagement and participation from all my students.
Inflated Stability Wobble Cushion with Pump, Extra Thick Core Balance Disc, KIDS Wiggle Seat, Sensory Cushion for Elementary School Chair (Office & Home & Classroom) (34cm Black)
• Amazon Business
$16.99
6
$101.94
Gonge Riverstones
• Amazon Business
$65.13
1
$65.13
Premium Quality WOODEN BALANCE BOARD By Trained, Non-Slip Surface, Portable, Ideal For Fitness, Yoga & Board Sports, Improves Balance & Motor Skills
• Amazon Business
$24.50
2
$49.00
Kick Bands Bouncy Chair Fidget Bands (10-Pack) - Improves Focus For School Kids and Classroom Students - ADHD ADD SPD Autism Sensory Needs - Bounce & Stretch Foot Band For Chairs by Solace
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
Champion Sports 10 Inch Poly Vinyl Spot Markers for Drills and Training, (Set of 6, Green, Orange, Purple, Royal Blue, Red and Yellow - One of Each)
• Amazon Business
$11.25
1
$11.25
Nylon Bean Bags Toy Assorted 12 pc 5x5in by Oojami
• Amazon Business
$8.79
1
$8.79
Materials cost
$264.10
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.96
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$298.06
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$52.60
Total project goal
$350.66
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$350.66
10 Donors
-$350.66
Donations toward project cost
-$298.06
Donations 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 Ms. Brillig and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.