My students need sewing machines and supplies to learn basic sewing so that they can meet their "green" goals by making/repairing things they already have.
Don't know how to sew on a button? What happens if you (goodness!)split your pants? Throw them away? Use the shirt as a rag? No! Students need to learn basic sewing to meet the challenges of being a GREEN generation! Just buying another one is no longer possible in this economy. Repair and reuse!
Students who attend our school reflect a variety of ethnic backgrounds: Caucasian, African American, Mexican, Samoan, Korean and others.
In addition, we have a growing population of ELL (English Language Learners) students who impact our life, with a particularly large influx of Ukrainian speakers. While poverty has begun to play a role here, in that approximately 52.1% of our students receive free or reduced lunch and "cut" budgets, we work very hard as a staff to see to it that our students receive the best education possible. We are fortunate in that our school is surrounded by trees, with all kinds of critters around and an occasional coyote "visitor." This beautiful environment fosters a positive "climate" for all to be able to learn. Students particularly enjoy using our "forest" as their very own outdoor lab for science, math, and language arts (write about it!), and, of course, health and fitness. We have become a "green school," heightening students desire to be truly "green."
My Project
Remember the days when everyone took home economics? Everyone learned to sew--or at least learned to sew on a button? Well, our kids don't get that opportunity unless their mom or dad happens to know how (and if they are not working 2+ jobs). I take home many torn garments, or one with missing buttons, just so my students can use them--especially with our families becoming more and more impoverished. With No Child Left Behind, we concentrate on core subjects only and are not teaching our kids the basic skills needed for living. And, in that we are a "green" school, students are being taught and encouraged to think and act "green." With these materials (and my own personal machine) I intend to start an afterschool program where kids will learn beginning sewing--yes, "the button" and how to sew up that seam they ripped out--but also, how to make book covers, backpacks, totes and other items that middle school students love. They'll be using math, reading, and speaking along the way.
Having these donations is going to make a major difference in my students lives.
I haven't even sent out a flier yet and there's an overwhelming response to my class! Both boys and girls need these life skills and are excited that they can repair and reuse clothing (and their parents are too!). Might even have to limit my numbers. Being an "integrated" teacher (lang. arts, social studies, writing & reading), I will easily be able to incorporate these subjects into our fun. EVEN MATH too! Yeah!
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