Students come to my classroom from diverse backgrounds, yet almost 100% come from low-income households. My students are lively and full of energy, but sometimes struggle to channel that energy into academics. Many of them are far below grade level in reading and mathematics, and struggle to feel confident in the classroom. About 40% of my students are English Learners. About 15% have Special Education plans. Together they create a unique and vibrant culture at our Title I school.
The students in my classroom impress me with their resilience.
Despite the obstacles that I have seen them face, they continue to exude an energy and a positivity that I admire. While I'm struggling to meet their diverse range of academic, developmental, and social-emotional needs, one thing they all have in common is the ability to make me laugh and smile even on the worst days. There are many labels I could use to describe my students: low income, Title I, Special Ed, English Learners, etc. When I think of them though, I think of words such as: resilient, joyful, dynamic, and wonderful.
My Project
I teach Math Intervention, which is similar to a math lab class in which students who are far below grade level in mathematics can get the help they need. Student needs in this course are so diverse; some students struggle with basic addition while others need practice manipulating decimals or solving equations. These stools would be used for seating in a designated area to teach a small group of students who need more individualized instruction, while the rest of the class is working on another skill. Currently students have individual desks with chairs attached, which not only restrain movement for my active learners, but also makes it very difficult to move furniture around the room for math centers.
Lastly, these stools would provide a seating option for my special needs students that struggle with attention deficits, or just need to fidget to keep their brains active.
The stools give them an outlet to move around in their own space, without causing a disruption to others.
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