My students need to dance! A full-body dance program with the Kinect Xbox system would give students a chance to be positive instead of resorting to bullying.
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.
My Students
Why do students bully? The answer is that many kids bully for attention and to feel better about themselves at other's expense. But what if kids had the option to get active, show off dance moves and gain attention in a positive way?
My spectacular students are teenagers in a self-contained special education classroom in a District 75 special education school.
I teach my ninth and tenth graders English, Global Studies, and Life Science in a curriculum modified for their academic delays. We are located in a high-need public school in NYC. Most students in my school qualify for free lunch. These students are challenged by learning disabilities as well as emotional disturbance; but instead of just giving in--my kids rise to the occasion and strive for the pride and security a high school diploma can bring! These young adults work hard to make more of themselves and conquer their academics!
My Project
When I asked my students to brainstorm ways that they could counteract bullying (With help from ABC Family!) in the classroom, the class was divided into two factions...those who thought having a video game room would build community within the school and stop kids from using bullying as a tool to build their self-esteem and half of the class wished hard for a dance club to build both skills, empathy and sense of community. The class compromised that the Xbox dancing game with real dancing would be a terrific way to make friends, combat bullying and bring everyone together as one. My students need a full-body dance program with the Kinect Xbox system. Dancing isn't just fun, it keeps kids fit, makes them feel good about themselves, and it's something every special education student can do, and when students feel good, they don't need to bully others to get that same feeling.
Bullying is an epidemic, not just in our school but in the country.
It has become so serious, it impacts the health, well-being, and ability to learn in school. By adding positive experiences in the classroom we can create a community where students can aren't afraid to come to school, and where learning can be fun.
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. Chandler and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
