My classroom is made up of 28 students ranging in grades Kindergarten through 5th grade. The classroom is a Learning Center which is a combination of students who have less than 50% of their school day in a small group environment and more than 50% of their day (but less than 75%) in a small group environment. Their disabilities range from Learning Disabilities, Speech and Language Impairments, Other Health Impairments, Autism, Emotional Disturbances, and Visual Impairments. I love my students so much. They work so hard for me each day and I am trying to provide them a classroom that is stimulating academically so that they can take the information they are learning in my class and use it in their general education class and ultimately in life.
With budgets to education being cut not only for our district, school, and classrooms, there is no extra funds for quality literature experiences for my students. My students are beginning to read and understand what reading is all about. They also love art. Since art is not a focus area in school, anytime we can provide them with the experience, they not only understand the materials better, it is proven that they remember school in a more positive light.
I need 10 quality literature books that I can present, discuss, analyze, and expand on with my students once a month, all school year long. After we are finished with the book, I would like to develop an art project that coincides with the book. Art materials that we need include construction paper, glue and collage materials. This art project takes our story to a whole new level because they are working hands-on and critically thinking about the story. For special needs students like mine, giving them the opportunity to not only understand a story, but coming away with something tangible that they can be proud of, boosts their self-confidence and that is my whole goal.
You will make it possible for my students to see quality literature and create a tangible art project that they can be proud of.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Claussen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.