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Goal

“Put your right hand in, pull your right hand out, put your right hand in and shake it all about!” Maybe the game of hokey pokey was right. Maybe movement IS what it’s all about! “We Like to Move it, Move it!” is all about keeping active kids moving and engaged in the classroom. My goal is to turn my ESE clustered classroom into an active learning space by purchasing different pieces of equipment from www.moving-minds.com. I would like to increase student’s level of activity inside my classroom learning environment with the hopes to improve their academic performance level across all subject areas. A recent study on movement in the classroom states “physical movement enhances focus, memory and cognitive flexibility – the tools needed for improving academic performance.” My goal would be that students using this equipment would gain improved concentration, recall and comprehension across subject areas due to their increased movement and mobility.

Not all students learn the same way. Many students struggle with the traditional “sit still in your seat” learning environment. Sitting still at their desks for long periods of time is not beneficial to all students. Having this classroom-friendly equipment provides an alternative option for these active students to be more comfortable and apt to learn. There are students who are more “active whole body” learners and the equipment I chose should help those “active whole body” learners to be more successful. There is more information on these “active whole body” learners, or Kinesthetic and Tactile Learners here: https://child1st.com/blogs/resources/113559047-16-characteristics-of-kinesthetic-and-tactile-learners

I want to connect with students who need movement throughout the day so that they may engage and participate in more classroom academic activities and instruction. Purchasing these different pieces of equipment will allow students different ways to exert their energy and still participate in classroom learning activities. There are many different types of equipment for the various needs of students. This equipment would not only be used in my ESE clustered classroom. I would be happy to share the equipment across the 3rd grade or throughout the school should the need arise. In addition, this equipment could “follow” a student through their time at our school or be used with new students each year. The classroom-friendly equipment was made with durability and long term use in mind.
 

What will be done with my students

“Do NOT sit still! Get moving!” will be heard regularly in my classroom versus the opposite “sit still, don’t move!” My students will be encouraged to move throughout the day! Students will be introduced to the various pieces of equipment and encouraged to use them respectfully throughout the day as needed. Expectations will be taught on how to use the tools properly to avoid distraction to other students. The following items were selected with student input after looking at many different options.

The “Kore Wobble Chairs” and the “BALLance stability ball chairs” are for the students who never seem comfortable in a traditional chair. These students sometimes squat or “perch” in their seats or rock back and leave only two chair “feet” on the floor. There’s always the danger of falling and it does happen quite often. The “Kore Wobble Chairs” and the “BALLance stability ball chairs” would allow them to move and sit at the same time.

The “Spooner” are for kiddos that kick or bounce their legs or feet. This foot board would give the students a place for their feet that can be moved and rocked without the fear of potentially kicking a classmate.

The “DeskCycle” is the perfect piece of equipment for those very active students who have an abundance of energy. Some students are so full of energy it seems they really can’t sit still. The DeskCycle would be perfect for them. It would allow for constant motion and exertion from the student with minimum distraction.
 

Benefits to my students

If you’ve ever sat through a long presentation and thought “I just need to stand and move!” then you understand how these children feel every day. I know when I attend professional trainings and seminars, I’m always on the lookout for a place where I can both sit and stand. I was the student with the kicking and bouncing legs, the seat “squatter” and the “active whole body” learner. When I’m teaching I’m constantly moving around the classroom, sitting occasionally, but mostly moving.

Students benefit from movement when their bodies are active and alert. The more they move, the more ready they are to receive and retain new information. Purchasing this equipment would allow active students to be more physically active in school while continuing to have fun as they learn in the classroom. Students who struggle with staying focused during lessons will be able to use the equipment that would help improve concentration which in turn should lead to greater success in all areas.
 

Budget Narrative

The equipment needed for this proposal can be purchased through an amazing website geared towards the goal of the proposal, www.moving-minds.com. After reviewing all of the available products, the most relevant, kid approved and budget friendly options were selected with the goal in mind.

But wait! There’s more! Based on the results from use of the equipment in the first year I hope to purchase more of the equipment that yielded the best results in my classroom and other classrooms that utilize the equipment.
 

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