My fifth classroom is a microcosm of Austin, Texas: they are a very diverse, vibrant group of young people. And in spite of differences, my kids have created a cohesive, caring community of learners.
My students are cooperative, inclusive learners.
They enjoy sharing the experience of a novel, teaching each other math and playing tag during recess.
Many of them will tell you that they are "Bibliophiles." As a class we read many great stories together: A Tell Tale Heart, Flowers for Algernon, Freak the Mighty, Touching Spirit Bear and several Greek myths. We recently finished The Outsiders, a book even the most reluctant reader enjoyed.
We are a large class, but the only fifth grade class in our small school. Because of our school size, we do not have much funding. Instead, we have a school with a pervasive feeling of togetherness, reminiscent of days past. It is a Dual Language school where more than 50% of our fifth grade Dual Language students are from English-speaking homes but come here to be fluent in Spanish! It is a place where everyone knows everyone's name.
My Project
We want to learn science where science is best learned: the outdoors. This project will help fund a three day, two night field trip The Outdoor School, which cost $150 per student. The Outdoor School's website says: "We strive to use the outdoors to awaken ourselves and others to the potential within and around them.
The Outdoor School gives students who have spent most of their lives in an urban setting a chance to experience woods, fields, and lakes. Here, children have a chance to develop a lifelong love for the outdoors. The Outdoor School helps children build self-confidence and participate as a member of a team. We use proven challenges, initiatives, and ropes course training that enhance children’s teamwork, trust, empathy, communication and group problem-solving skills. Guided by facilitators, students work together to achieve common goals, think creatively to meet posed challenges, and test their perceived limits to overcome physical obstacles.
Last year she came to my fifth grade class several years behind grade level but she made significant progress, jumping more than one grade level in reading.
She still lacked confidence, however. She was told she was smart, she was told she could do anything, but she still didn't believe it. Even on the rock wall at The Outdoor School last year, she gave up. And on the second try, and the third. But on the last attempt, buoyed by her classmates cheers, she made it, and she finally believed.
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. McVerry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
