My district is located just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. We have many students that come from hard-working but economically disadvantaged families. These families value the education their children receive in our school and support us to the best of their ability.
"The Littlest School with the Biggest Heart" is the motto of our small, community-based, Title 1 school.
My kindergarten students embody this motto every day. They are kind-hearted and well-mannered. They come to school with smiles on their faces; eager to work hard and learn. My students are grateful and appreciate even the smallest things that are given to them.
My Project
Kindergarten is not what it use to be. It is my challenge as an early childhood educator to provide my students with developmentally appropriate ways to meet the high expectations set by state and national standards.
"I am 5 - I'm not built for desk sitting; My brain craves action; I need to play, move and explore." -Unknown.
My students have numerous learning experiences throughout the day that incorporate singing, dancing and movement. However, there are times that sitting at a table and/or desk is necessary. Current research shows that student focus & engagement can increase with subtle movement. Flexible seating allows for such movement. The more kids are allowed to wiggle, wobble, and bounce, the more their brains pay attention.
When opportunities allow, my students love utilizing some of the flexible seating options we already have in the classroom (ottomans, low scoop rocker chairs, and carpet squares). They are happy, engaged in the task at hand, and are highly motivated.
The ball chairs, wobble chairs, wobble cushions and balance balls in this project will provide my students with movement options when sitting at a table. Students will be comfortable and be able to wiggle & wobble their way to wonderful work.
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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. Urso and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.