Back to grants list     Part I. Applicant and Project Information   Title of project: Flexible Classroom Project manager: Patricia Kelly School: Muraco Curriculum: Other   Part II: Grant proposal   Summary: My hope is to provide a classroom with flexible seating options and configurations to create an optimal student centered learning environment. I teach third grade and I have found that every learner is different, and the students need to be able to make a choice about what type of learning space works best for them. I am seeking funds for tables to replace the majority of the desks in my classroom to allow for group learning experiences and increased student collaboration. I am also seeking funds for a standing desk to further allow for flexible learning spaces to fit the needs of all learners. My vision is to create a classroom with choices. Students learn best when they have some control over their environment. The cornerstone of a flexible learning community is having the ability to change the learning environment based on need. Research supports this link between classroom space and student learning. Having lightweight, movable, and reconfigurable furniture emphasizes group learning through student collaboration. (UNC Charlotte, 2018). In my classroom, students are often collaborating in different groups, but we are not easily able to move around the furniture to fit our needs. I have incorporated some flexible seating options in my classroom, such as scoop rockers, and Hokki stools, but I cannot provide a true flexible classroom until our furniture can adjust to our needs and allow for students to be in groups of varying sizes and configurations. Tables enable students to easily move around to new spaces in the classroom. Trapezoid tables in particular can be moved into dozens of different arrangements to support different group sizes and needs. Having flexible options encourages children to share space and supplies, and identify their own learning needs. My third grade colleague has tables in her classroom and I have seen firsthand the benefit to her students- they take ownership of their space and value working with new classmates every day. I am excited to continue to work towards a more student-centered classroom design. Flexible options allow students to change their location and position as needed, and give students the opportunity to find comfortable positions throughout the classroom and during lessons.   Part III: Grant Amount Supplies: $0.00 Equipment: $1,342.49 Personnel: $0.00   Total costs: $1,342.49 Back to grants list