This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
Where have all the easels gone!?! I teach kindergarten in an impoverished urban area. As much as I try to provide an inspiring environment for my students, something is missing!
With all of the budget cuts our school has been facing, my requests for art supplies have been repeatedly denied. It seems shameful to have a kindergarten classroom without finger paints and playdough! My students get so excited when I take out the meager supply of paint and the old paint brushes from the closet. They don't mind only painting with blue and brown (the only colors I have left). The other day, some students caught a glimpse of my bucket of cookie cutters in my closet. I hated to disappoint them, but I don't have any playdough left. Most of my students have very difficult home lives, in an environment where they have to grow up fast. Then they come to a school where play is slowly being squeezed out by rigorous academics. There is plenty of time in their school career for rigorous academics. Kindergarten should be a place to explore all kinds of learning, where kids can be kids.
I would like to offer my students some creative options during choice time. If they choose the art center, they should have a variety of mediums from which to choose. How empowering it would be for these young students to see their masterpieces displayed throughout the classroom. And when the artwork goes home, hopefully it will take its rightful place on the refrigerator, to be admired by all!
You can make this possible! By supplying us with art supplies, you will give the students a chance to explore art and use their imaginations. I get so excited when I think about the joy on their faces as they proudly display their artwork. That is what an early childhood classroom should be like!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Ms. Matthews and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.