My 2nd grade classroom is an active learning environment. We are moving throughout the day and many of our activities are hands on and STEM related. I'm interested in the research that shows that children today have weak core balance due to lack of mobility. A stable core creates a balanced mind.
I teach at a partial magnet school.
I love my school because it is a real world environment. I have students in my class from all walks of life, all ethnicities and all socioeconomic backgrounds. In my classroom, I also have a wide range of academic abilities. I have students performing below grade level who come to me with a strong desire to learn. I also have students performing far above grade level and have everything they could ever need. All of us work together as a family. That is what makes our school so unique.
My Project
The materials I am asking for are research proven to help improve focus and productivity with students. Children today have far less core balance and strength than children just a decade ago due to the lack of play. Children are more homebound and tied to technology than ever before. The days of riding bikes and playing outside for hours are becoming more and more rare. All children from all walks of life are affected by this. This directly effects their ability to focus and learn. Research states that if we can develop and strengthen the core and improve balance that the natural ability to better focus will follow. The stability discs I am trying to get allow children to naturally balance and therefore better focus. Ultimately this creates a stable core and a brain more open to learning. The wobble stools serve the same purpose. My ultimate goal is to develop the whole child and provide a variety of modalities to ensure success.
My goal is to help students develop their bodies and minds at a young age.
The inability to focus is quickly becoming an epidemic in our society. By providing a very simple seat which helps to develop core strength and balance we are taking away the battle children unknowingly face to stay balanced and learn. A stronger core leads directly to a stronger brain. If the child is not focusing on keeping his/her body in balance, he/she can focus on learning in the classroom.
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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. Seyle and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.