My fourth grade class is located in a small school district. We are a Title One school and face many challenges due to a decreasing budget. My students come to me with various backgrounds but with the desire to learn, create and explore. My goal is to always provide them with what they need and even more, if possible. I love seeing the joy on their faces as we learn new things everyday. They are the reason I teach.
Our district is unique because we are a four day district.
Our students attend school an extra hour each day. With that though comes challenges. They require more movement breaks and more activities to help them stay engaged.
My Project
Last year, I was able to implement different types of seating in the classroom. When I asked my students what they thought made them successful last year, many of them commented on our yoga balls, stadium seats and standing table. They told me it helped give them the chance to wiggle and move about. I asked them how I could improve our classroom for the following year and they begged me to try and add additional seating. They felt it was important for kids to be able to move while they learned.
Flexible seating gives students the opportunity to not sit for long hours at a desk.
With our long days, movement is critical in helping them stay engaged and focus.It provides the constant movement for those kids who need it. This is key to their success. Research has shown that movement in the classroom helps stimulate the brain which increases the power of learning. When I asked students what they would like to see in our classroom, many of them mentioned stools. These Hokki stools will encourage them to build their core muscle strength when they are sitting for sixty minutes or more. My goal is to be able to help provide these materials to give my students the focus and movement they need in the classroom.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Martinez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
