Past projects 12
Flexible Seating for the Not One Size Fits All Student
Funded Mar 30, 2017Having these "toad stools", as the children call them, in our classroom has made a huge impact in our classroom. The stools have led to more engaging work periods and less disruption from children constantly needing to stand.
When the stools arrived we received them on a large cart. The children got very big eyes at the sight of the boxes. As soon as I opened the boxes the children were crazy excited to try them out. The reactions were interesting as they had never seen anything like these. The children agreed to rotate the stools so each child had the opportunity to use the chairs. Many of them preferred these to the stability balls we have in the classroom while others preferred the stability balls. These options of flexible seating in the classroom have made a world of difference.
I again can't express my gratitude enough for the overwhelming support of my project. I sincerely appreciate every penny donated to help my students get the most from their education by getting their wiggles out without distractions! Thank you!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bossert
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 13 other donors.Movement and action for classroom success!
Funded Oct 21, 2015I want to start out by expressing my gratitude for your generosity. Over the past few months I have witnessed my students making much better choices while working, working for longer periods of time in writing, and overall better behavior not only when at their seats but the day in general. These stability balls have given my students the opportunity to learn in an unconventional way all while moving. I am extremely grateful I was able to implement this project in the classroom and watch the students reap the benefits. It is wonderful when guests come in the classroom and compliment my class for being on task when seated at their desks. Many other teachers at the school are excited about the stability balls as well and are currently writing grants!
In preparation for the materials to be implemented in the classroom we watched many videos of the "how to's" of the stability balls; how to sit on the ball, how to balance, keep two feet on the floor, and keep sharp objects away from the balls. When the material's arrived I was able to get into our school gym, and with the help of other teachers we were able to inflate all the balls and set them at the back of the room to "sit" for the next day. The kids were so excited the next day when they arrived at school and saw their new chairs! All the "ahhs" and "oohs" were priceless. Unfortunately the balls needed to acclimate to room temperature before we could use them. I was able to demonstrate how to use the ball with my own personal one throughout the day. It was funny because I would do some of the "don'ts" and the children would call me out. "Mrs. Bossert, two feet on the floor". :) I was surprised with how well the children worked with the balls the next day. I thought they would be bouncing and tossing the balls all around the classroom; instead what I saw were students actively learning while moving. They were even complimenting one another on how they followed directions.
Over the past few months I have watched my students continue to grow and learn and be responsible with their chairs. I have watched my students with ADHD who struggled to sit for more than five to ten minutes working for twenty to thirty minute stretches (sometimes more). It is great to see them get their wiggles out while working and become less of a distraction to other students and themselves. They are able to get their work done in a much timelier manner than before. I am really proud that I was able to implement this into my classroom with your help.
I wish you were able to see my student's working-it makes my heart so happy to be able to make a difference in these children's lives. The impact you have made by funding this project has made a drastic impact of these children. As the end of the year approaches, my students are eager to get outside and run and play and just be kids. I am glad that I am able to at least make it easier on them by having an outlet to learn through movement on the stability balls! Thank you again! You are amazing! You have made a change in many lives and I hope you know how appreciated YOU are!
Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bossert