You've heard of "Buy a Brick" fundraisers that are used to create the foundation of a new project... "Sponsor a Stump" is much the same idea, but instead of paving a pathway or building a wall you'll be helping to create a dynamic learning space in the new Earthkeepers Enrichment Center at New Durham Elementary School.

These "stumps" are actually floor cushions, perfect for "active sitting." We're in the process of creating a beautiful learning space that will bring the outdoors in, and a circle of these floor cushions will be just right for reading, singing and sharing ideas!

Active sitting is based on the idea that it’s not healthy for the body to be seated in chairs for long periods of time. Too much sitting still has been shown to lead to back and hip soreness, fatigue, decreased muscle tone and a lack of focusing ability. Active seating corrects these problems by promoting slight movements and adjustments for the user while they sit. These movements keep the body more engaged, alleviating the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

We know that getting down on the floor can be super-productive during sessions that require group work, creativity and  problem solving. And, sitting on the the floor actually grounds the muscles creating a calming effect. Here are just a few more of the benefits adding a little wiggle, bounce or wobble to everyday classroom seating can have:

Improved posture and muscle tone – At the same time the student’s frequent postural adjustments strengthen the core abdominal and trunk muscles.

Sensory input and energy burning – Some kids just gotta keep moving! Their muscles crave activity, making it difficult for them to sit still for long periods of time or focus on seated activities. Because active seating lets kids move and adjust themselves in a non-disruptive way, they burn off excess energy and get the stimulus their muscles are looking for, making them more attentive in class.

Increased blood flow – As a child moves during active sitting, the heart pumps a bit faster and blood vessels in the legs and hips open up which increases blood flow. Better blood flow means more oxygen gets to the brain. With more oxygen, brain function increases, allowing for improved focus and better knowledge retention.

These wonderful floor cushions will create fun and friendly "active seating" around the campfire in our indoor outdoor classroom! Each cushion is 15 inches in diameter by 3 inches thick. The covers are made of durable, washable twill that zip on and off a dense foam pillow.  You can sponsor a stump for just $12 by clicking on the widget below!  Thank you!

The Earthkeepers began as an after school enrichment program for educationally disadvantaged students in grades 1 - 6 at New Durham Elementary School in January 2015. It was a crowd funded project with support from patrons of Winnipesaukee Soap Company, and local and summer residents.

• The Earthkeepers have designed and installed a Butterfly Garden, a Buddy Bench, an Outoor Classroom, 3 Literacy Pods, and a sand play area called "Imagination Station" on their playground at New Durham School (NDS).

• The Earthkeepers have created a school culture of excellence, kindness, inclusion, and stewardship through their after school program projects. They are proud of their academic successes, and celebrate accomplishments outside traditional academics. Their positive energy is infectious! They are peer leaders.

• There are 165 additional elementary school children who want to be Earthkeepers, but the after school program is at capacity...

• The NDS classroom teachers, administrators and parents wholeheartedly acknowledge and support the positive impact The Earthkeepers have had on the school culture.

• There is a big, beautiful, light-filled classroom that is empty at NDS. It has a south facing patch of land outside the big windows, also empty...

• The "Earthkeepers Enrichment Center" has a nice ring to it.

• We have an opportunity to expand the Earthkeepers program to include all students at NDS by creating the Earthkeepers Enrichment Center. We only need to raise the funds for staffing for the 2016-2017 school year!