New flexible seating offers options for first graders

Ms. Deidre LaPointe’s first-grade class recently received some flexible seating options to help kids learn better.

by Marsha Chartrand

What’s worse than a wiggly class of first graders who are stuck sitting in straight-back chairs?

Probably a classroom with a majority (14, to be exact) of wiggly little boys who are stuck sitting in straight-back chairs!

That’s what new first-grade teacher Ms. Deidre LaPointe was faced with during her first weeks at Klager Elementary School. It didn’t take her long to realize that she needed a lot more seating options for her “Fabulous Firsties.“ So she turned to Donors Choose, an online forum where those who want to help out a school or teacher — near or far — can make a donation, large or small, to fulfill a need in a specific classroom.

Teachers create a project that suits their needs; Donors Choose does the shopping and sets the fundraising price needed. Then the project is posted to its site, and, if you’ve already donated via Donors Choose, they will let you know via email that a classroom in your area, or one that shares your interest, is looking for funding. It’s the donor’s choice (obviously) whether or not to make a donation. Whether it’s augmenting a classroom library, helping to purchase sports equipment or math manipulatives, funding special STEM projects, promoting peaceful interactions in the classroom, or other creative projects, Donors Choose can connect donors with classrooms in need!

Ms. LaPointe considers her classroom the kids’ (and her own!) “home away from home.“ And recognizing that all kids learn differently, and may have varying needs when they are trying to concentrate, she tried to accommodate those needs to keep them feeling comfortable, cozy, and happy throughout the school day.

“Just like adults, students work more productively when they are comfortable!“ she said. “And reading is more joyful when we‘re cozy. We‘d love to offer more flexible seating options for our first-grade classroom.“

So she chose yoga balance balls to allow students to move while seated — without disturbing their neighbors as they work on writing skills. Cushions also make working on the floor more comfortable as they practice reading skills and have discussions as a class. And a welcoming book display, which was also part of the Donors Choose project, will help encourage a lifelong love of reading for the students. Thanks to gift cards purchased via the school-wide fundraiser, The School Store, she was also able to buy wobble stools, which have been amazing as well.

“Active seating options such as the ball chairs and wobble stools are critical to keeping students comfortable and allowing an energy outlet when working on seated assignments,“ LaPointe explained. “We hope to continue to add to this so that all students who need active seating options have them available.“

She added, “The day our order arrived was magical! Our principal delivered several boxes and we immediately went to work pumping up the ball chairs and assembling the bookshelf. This was a great team-building experience for us! The support has been so appreciated! We promise to take great care of our new materials!“

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.