Classroom Project

home > search > results > project

"Let your mind roll back to the "good ole' days" of your elementary school years. Now think of your favorite aspects of school...what did you like best (besides recess)? (For me, it was reading.) What about the least? What classes do you remember most? Well, my most memorable times occurred when I ha... MORE

"Let your mind roll back to the "good ole' days" of your elementary school years. Now think of your favorite aspects of school...what did you like best (besides recess)? (For me, it was reading.) What about the least? What classes do you remember most? Well, my most memorable times occurred when I had the opportunity to learn with my friends--in cooperative groups. Okay, I'll admit that it was years ago--there wasn't too much attention given to cooperative learning at that time; I don't think it was even called "cooperative learning." Thankfully, times have changed! There is much research that suggests cooperative learning should be a vital part of students' lives at school. I can honestly say that MY students retain more information when they are allowed to work together--discussing, relating, peer tutoring, sharing, and more!

I teach at a WONDERFUL school! Teaching 4th grade in my self-contained classroom is perfect for me; I love to teach! Our school is extremely small, close-knit, and is located in an underprivileged, rural area. We are very fortunate to have some "extras" at our school such as SmartBoards and a small computer lab. We received these items, not because our county could afford them, but because of some of my innovative co-workers writing technology grants. Unfortunately, we are lacking in some essential items that are often taken for granted. My 4th graders' desks are old hand-me-downs from the 8th graders. Yes, they are too big. They are old. I can deal with the size issue and the fact that they are outdated. However, they are NOT appropriate to encourage cooperative learning. This is something that I'm determined to change, but I need DonorsChoose to make it happen.

Here's my goal: I need 17 desks and chairs; the tops of the desks my students and I need are flat. They can be arranged to create a cooperative learning group! The huge, slanted-top desks I have now aren't working for my students or for me! They simply won't fit together--and we're always mashing fingers when trying to keep them in groups. I realize that this is a huge request, but after much thought I decided to go for it. I am asking for only one or two desks at a time. Could you help a student (or two) by giving them a place to learn together?

This proposal is for one desk and one chair. They aren't fancy--just regular classroom desks/chairs. However, they are age/size appropriate. Most importantly, they can be arranged in GROUPS! Please know that you will be helping a school that "helps itself." I simply mean that our teachers work hard to make our school, our community, and our students the best! We can't do it without people like you! Thanks so much for your consideration. HIDE