Suncoast Credit Union

My goal is to enhance my student's learning by providing flexible seating. I want their career here in the classroom to be more enjoyable. I want to give students a choice about their physical classroom space that will teach them higher-order thinking skills. If we are constantly solving their problems for them and making their choices, how can we expect them to solve their own problems and make choices independently.

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Flexible Seating

grant photo
School:
Highlands Elementary 
Subject:
Other 
Teacher:
Jeanette Helfrich 
Students Impacted:
18 
Grade:
2 
Date:
July 1, 2019

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

 

Sue Sherwin - $736.00

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Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 16

I implemented flexible seating after the Winter break. I thought this would be a perfect time. The kids would come back from the two week break, and see their newly improved classroom. This would also be a perfect time to be able to review the expectations and go over new expectations for flexible seating.

 

The kids came back from Winter break, and they were so excited! In the front of the classroom, I had the two rugs, and on each rug there was a loveseat with two butterfly chairs. Also, in each section were beach chairs they could use, or they could sit on the carpet and use the lap desks. The kids also had a rolling cart that I bought to put their materials. It worked perfectly. The kids that were able to sit there were the kids that were leaders, and followed the expectations throughout the day. They knew that which ever spot they picked at the beginning of the day, that was their spot for t he remainder of the day. The kids also had the stability balls at the computers which they loved. 

 

The kids loved sitting in flexible seating. They were excited to come in every day and pick their spot. The only unfortunate thing is, we only had until the beginning of March to enjoy it. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any pictures prior to COVID happening.

 

I am so grateful that we received the grant, and that the kids were able to enjoy it for the time they had. I hope to continue using it when we go back in the fall. I believe it makes a difference. It gives the kids variety of where and how they sit in the classroom. 

 

Original Grant Overview

Goal

My goal is to enhance my student's learning by providing flexible seating. I want their career here in the classroom to be more enjoyable. I want to give students a choice about their physical classroom space that will teach them higher-order thinking skills. If we are constantly solving their problems for them and making their choices, how can we expect them to solve their own problems and make choices independently.  

 

What will be done with my students

My students will get to make a choice. Flexible seating will allow them to wobble, rock, bounce, lean or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow, and core strength. My students will burn more calories and increase their metabolism. Most importantly, flexible seating will help the young minds in my classroom be more alert and focused.  

 

Benefits to my students

According to teachers, the flexible-seating movement is fostering a growing list of physical, emotional and academic benefits:

Choice. Students learn best when they have some control over their environment.

Community. Students learn to take turns and share supplies.

Collaboration. Students can easily pair up or work in groups.

Movement. Students can sit, kneel, wiggle, lean, roll, etc., and release excess energy, while building core strength.

Comfort. Comfortable students are more relaxed and more focused.

Sensory Input. Many flexible seating options stimulate students’ sense of touch.

Motivation. Students are motivated to earn and keep their favorite spots. 

 

Budget Narrative

The budget above is for the seating listed. I'd be thrilled to be able to provide any of the above seating options for my students next year. I understand it's pricey to add all these different seating options at once. I am also happy to find alternative seating options with any grant money I receive to get the most bang for the money received. Thank you for your consideration.  

 

Items

# Item Cost
1 10 exercise balls $160.00
2 6 stack stools $42.00
3 4 butterfly chairs $120.00
4 2 camp chairs $24.00
5 2 futons $300.00
6 2 lap desks $20.00
7 2 video rockers $70.00
  Total: $736.00

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Suncoast Credit Union