The "Flexible Minds" project is designed to significantly enhance student engagement and academic performance by incorporating increased physical movement opportunities within the classroom. This project aims to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment that accommodates various learning styles and promotes active participation in classroom activities by integrating flexible seating options and under-the-desk elliptical machines.
The inspiration for this project came from Leena Forbes, a former and current student, who asked, "Mrs. Sponseller, do you remember when I was in your 3rd-grade class and we had all that movement stuff? Why can’t we have that at high school?"
In 2017, the successful “Just Keep Moving” grant allowed me to purchase movement equipment for my classroom at Laurel Oak Elementary. Leena, who was in my class that year, is now at Barron Collier High School, where I support her as an ESE Inclusion Teacher. Her question highlighted the need for movement-friendly classrooms beyond the elementary level, leading to the creation of the "Active Minds" grant proposal.

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Flexible Minds: Enhancing Learning through Movement

School:
Barron Collier High 
Subject:
Special Needs Students 
Teacher:
Nicole Sponseller 
Students Impacted:
200 
Grade:
9-12 
Date:
July 13, 2024

0% Funded

 

 

Only $1,927.00 Needed

 

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Goal

The "Flexible Minds" project is designed to significantly enhance student engagement and academic performance by incorporating increased physical movement opportunities within the classroom. This project aims to create a dynamic and innovative learning environment that accommodates various learning styles and promotes active participation in classroom activities by integrating flexible seating options and under-the-desk elliptical machines.
The inspiration for this project came from Leena Forbes, a former and current student, who asked, "Mrs. Sponseller, do you remember when I was in your 3rd-grade class and we had all that movement stuff? Why can’t we have that at high school?"
In 2017, the successful “Just Keep Moving” grant allowed me to purchase movement equipment for my classroom at Laurel Oak Elementary. Leena, who was in my class that year, is now at Barron Collier High School, where I support her as an ESE Inclusion Teacher. Her question highlighted the need for movement-friendly classrooms beyond the elementary level, leading to the creation of the "Active Minds" grant proposal. 

 

Category

Class Furniture - Carpets, choral risers, transitional seating/desks, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

The proposed activities include the purchase and use of educational furniture designed to
facilitate movement and flexibility:
Moving Minds Flexible Seating Pack for High School:
Price: $1,469.00 for a pack of 24 items
These packs include various active seating options that help students channel their energy positively, enhancing their ability to focus during lessons. Items like the stability ball chairs and ergoErgo seats encourage students to engage their core muscles, promoting better posture and physical health. The assortment of seating options caters to different preferences and needs, ensuring that each student can find a comfortable and effective seating solution. These packs make it easy to incorporate active seating into the classroom, promoting a dynamic and flexible learning environment.
FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical
Price: $289.00 per machine
This compact elliptical fits under a desk, allowing students to exercise while working. It promotes physical activity, which can boost energy levels and concentration. 

 

Benefits to my students

By reducing disruptions caused by student departures for non-urgent reasons like restroom breaks or wandering, the initiative anticipates a significant increase in instructional time, classroom participation, and student engagement. This approach aims to enhance cognitive engagement, leading to improved academic performance and higher retention rates of instructional content. Additionally, by fostering a physically active learning environment, the project aims to instill healthy habits early on and contribute to overall student well-being. 

 

Budget Narrative

The requested funds will be allocated towards purchasing the specified furniture and equipment necessary to effectively implement the "Flexible Minds" project. Each item selected is essential for creating an inclusive and adaptable learning environment that promotes student engagement and supports academic success. The implementation phase will involve collaboration with school administration, teachers, and students to ensure seamless integration of the new furniture into existing classroom settings. Training sessions will be conducted to familiarize educators with the benefits and proper use of the equipment, thereby maximizing its impact on student learning. Findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report detailing the project's impact on student outcomes and recommendations for sustaining and expanding similar initiatives in the future. 

 

Items

# Item Cost
1 Moving Minds Flexible Seating Pack for High School $1,469.00
2 FitDesk Under Desk Elliptical $229.00
3 FitDest Under Desk Elliptical $229.00
  Total: $1,927.00

0% Funded

 

 

Only $1,927.00 Needed

 

Share

Please share this page to help in fulfilling this grant.

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Special Thanks to Our Presenting Partners

Suncoast Credit Union