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
From circle games to drum circles, music students in my classes know that circles are signs of respect and unity.
My students are bright and energetic, talented and curious despite their difficult and complex socioeconomic circumstances.
Our school is situated in Connecticut with a high percentage of underrepresented students. In 2012, the student demographic breakdown was 86% African American, 9% Hispanic, and 5% other race. We are a Title 1 school that has undergone many changes in an effort to raise achievement, including splitting K-8 into K-5 and 6-8. Our school has recently resumed its K-8 structure, resulting in a sharp decrease in available resources. As a music educator, my classroom needs are less a priority than those of core classroom teachers. The school has been targeted for special consideration because the students show persistent gains, but have much ground to make up. New for this year, there are two classes of special needs students who will also benefit from more exposure to the alphabet.
My Project
My music classroom is in dire need of a rug that will enhance teaching and learning, provide a healthier environment by reducing dust and promote a sense of community among my students. The rug will be used by Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First and Second grades for sitting, dancing, singing, and playing instruments. The letters of the alphabet printed around the rug will promote early literacy and help with phonemic awareness. Students will also know where to sit according to the letters on the rug. Upper grades will also benefit, using the circle as a guide for some dance set-ups.
Our students will appreciate having something new purchased just for them in the music room.
They will learn responsibility by helping take care of it and keeping it clean. As we sit, playing and singing in our circle, we will be creating a sense of community among our students. As we dance around, we can be sure to express ourselves in harmonious movements.
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 Mr. Boyd and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.