Creating a Classroom for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Funded Oct 2, 2024

Thank you for supporting our students' mental health. The new materials have transformed our classroom into a more welcoming, functional, and engaging space. The string lights and light covers help create a calm and inviting atmosphere, reducing the harshness of fluorescent lighting. This has been especially helpful during independent reading and writing activities, as students feel more relaxed and focused.

The bean bag chair, saucer chair, and yoga balls have become part of our flexible seating arrangement. Students love having the option to choose where they work best, and these additions encourage collaboration during group projects and provide a comfortable space for independent work.

One specific moment that stands out was during a peer review session for a writing assignment. Students paired up, choosing their seating from the new chairs and yoga balls, and shared their work in a relaxed, nontraditional setting. The fidget toys helped some students who are typically nervous during peer review stay calm and engaged. It was amazing to see them so focused and supportive of one another.

The students were thrilled when they first saw the materials! Many immediately asked, "Can we sit here today?" or "Can I try the yoga ball?" They were especially excited about the fidget toys, which they eagerly explored during our morning community circle.

The laminator and label maker didn't seem as exciting to them at first, but once they saw how their names and projects were being displayed around the room, they started to appreciate these tools, too. They loved seeing their work laminated and hung up, which gave them a sense of pride and ownership in the classroom.

Students are creating "identity maps" that explore who they are and how their histories, cultures, and communities shape them. These maps will include written reflections, illustrations, and other creative elements. The materials are playing a key role in this project. The bean bag and saucer chairs provide a cozy spot for brainstorming and sketching ideas. The fidget toys help students stay focused during more intensive reflection and writing periods. The laminator and label maker will allow students to create polished, professional-looking final maps that they can proudly display during our classroom gallery walk.

Thanks to these resources, students are more engaged and excited about learning. They feel supported, not just academically but emotionally, in an environment that's been transformed into a space where they can thrive.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Osorio