Past projects 2
Flexible Seating for Dynamic Learners in Brooklyn
Funded Jul 8, 2018Thank you for supporting our classroom community by funding our flexible seating project.
Our students are super excited about the materials. The look on their faces each time a new kind of seat was introduced was priceless. When they were told that people they do not know donated to give these materials to them, our kids were amazed and grateful. They really are a sweet class.
My co-teacher and I slowly introduced each seating option to our students to ensure that new materials are used properly, safely and effectively. Each week, students found older school chairs removed and replaced with alternative seating.
Our most active students are much more focused and finish their work in less time while using wobble stools and wobble cushions. Wobble cushions are often used by our most fidgety learners when we sit on the floor as a class, or as an extra cushion on normal school seats. The reclining chairs and the flex space balance ball seats are used in small groupings all around the classroom, especially during book clubs and choice time. Watching students choose a seating option that works best for them without our help has been a surprising development. They are choosing seats as a tool to work and not just as a comfy seating option. They are learning works best for them and we are seeing an increase in stamina, focus and joy. Moreover, we've noticed less conflicts.
We are now modifying our classroom in other ways. We added other carpet spaces, and a wonderful cozy corner. Next week, one of the tables is being lowered so students can work on it while using wobble cushions. We will also be adding larger flex space balance balls for those students going through growth spurts. Because flexible seating options have been successful, we plan to add portable lap desks and perhaps a few standing desks to our room. It's exciting to see how our classroom is changing to fit the needs of our students. Thank you again for helping us make this happen.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Milliken
Classroom Printer
Funded Feb 17, 2013This letter cannot express my gratitude for your generous donation towards our classroom. The printer you donated is being utilized every day. My students recently completed writing and publishing their own non-fiction books about various explorers of New York State. I wish you could have been there while they printed out pictures of their explorer, printed maps of their explorer's discoveries, and saw the excitement on their faces as the final drafts of their books were printed.
As many of you already know, my school does not have many resources. The printer you donated is not only aiding my students educationally, but it is also showing them that there are people in this world that care about them and what they do in the classroom. It is sending them the message that education is important. Best of all, our new printer is inspiring my students to develop a love for writing.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Milliken