My students truly are the most inspiring and amazing kids I've ever met. They have a natural love for life and they can light up a room by just walking in it. As their teacher, I strive to always be a positive role model in their lives and someone they can look up to.
This age group is a joy to work with and they never let me forget how innocent their little brains are.
Several of my kiddos have a difficult background and they look at school as a safe haven where they can feel free to express their thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. Our school is a high poverty area where 65% of our students are on free or reduced lunch. Our school specifically, adopted the Leader In Me program last year. We are striving to educate our students on how to be leaders and role models both in and out of the classroom.
My Project
Alternative seating, alternative seating, alternative seating! I heard so many teachers, principals, even parents talk about the new fad, "alternative seating." I have to admit at first, I was unsure how it would benefit my students and their ability to learn inside my classroom. Like all things, I was willing to give it a try and see what all the excitement was about.
Last school year, I dipped my toes in the water and ordered a few different seating options for my students.
I was amazed! My students were able to not only handle the alternative seating that was presented to them, but they actually worked harder than I had ever seen them work before to prove they could handle the "fun spots" to sit around the room. Their new seating choices served as an incredible incentive that immediately improved both their behavior and academic success.
It only took me a few days to realize that alternative seating was something that I not only wanted in my classroom, but something I needed. My students needed. I currently have 10 forms of alternative seating in my classroom, which benefits only half of my class. I am asking for 10 more Balance Balls for the rest of the students!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. Fenton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
