Finding ways to keep my kids "in their seats" and heads off of desks has been a challenge as of late. One would think in a science room that a student wouldn't want to put their head on the desk (not knowing what were there last) but that does not seem to stop them. Just as I haven't been able to keep them from putting their feet in the seats or the seat next to them. And if I can get their heads off the desk, it seems half of them won't stay in there seats.
In an effort combat this I have decided to introduce a set of yoga balls in place a chairs in my classroom next week. I used my 3 - $10 Amazon holiday gift cards to buy 3 Amazon Basic yoga balls and a, hoping to add another 6 balls over the next few months.
Being a DYI Gal, I was able to replicate a 9 ball yoga ball storage shelf I saw online (costing over $120 to buy) and built it for less than $25. Even managed to use some green spray paint I had in my workroom to paint it our school colors. Thankfully Lowes is close by my home and had the right PVC pipe and connectors.
In progress shot of my yoga storage unit. This is one layer. The 2nd and 3rd shelf goes on when it gets into the classroom.
Like many other teachers, I am searching for generous souls willing to support my classroom - even at the cost of 1 yoga ball at a time. I love Amazon and how easy they are to shop with. A student of mine from 2006 (my first year teaching) suggested I create an Amazon Wish List to share. Something I had not thought of before. I have done the Go Fund Me (they charge a fee to send the donation) and was foturnate to get a Donor's Choose funded by the ACC & Duke power. But I did not know about sharing an Amazon list. So here's hoping for some success and possible donations.
On while the paint drys on the yoga rack and I patiently wait for yoga balls to be donated, I am off to cut a 8 ft by 4 ft board of whiteboard material to create 32 - 12" x 12" student white boards. Cost to me $13 for the board, $6 in blue painters tape, and a few hours of labor. Cost online for 30 pre-made boards over $60. Time well spent and money well saved. DYI is the way of a teacher's life.
