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Ms. Deardorf’s Classroom Edit display name

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This project will be used for a unique and wonderful program: helping teen parents reach graduation. Our class takes place in the living room of a shared facility with my students' children. Given the uniqueness of the population and the program itself, this classroom is meant to be a warm, welcoming space for my students to start their day and prepare to transition away from their children so that they can focus on their schoolwork. This space has not been updated in 10+ years. Our community has always been wonderful about sharing items my students might need, often that are gently loved but still have a lot of life left in them. While we appreciate these donations, I am hopeful that a bright, new space will help my students feel how much they are cared for and valued, a message that they often do not receive given that they are young parents. Additionally, the classroom work that we do often resembles group therapy than book and paper projects. I hope to bring in some therapeutic elements through fidget pillows and small items they can use to settle any discomfort they may have while sharing their challenges as teen parents. Ultimately, I want my students to receive the message on every level that they are cared for, they belong, and that our classroom is a safe space to continue their journey as parents with others who know exactly what it is like to be in their same spot. With this support, I know they will be able to reach all the goals they have for themselves as students and as parents!

About my class

This project will be used for a unique and wonderful program: helping teen parents reach graduation. Our class takes place in the living room of a shared facility with my students' children. Given the uniqueness of the population and the program itself, this classroom is meant to be a warm, welcoming space for my students to start their day and prepare to transition away from their children so that they can focus on their schoolwork. This space has not been updated in 10+ years. Our community has always been wonderful about sharing items my students might need, often that are gently loved but still have a lot of life left in them. While we appreciate these donations, I am hopeful that a bright, new space will help my students feel how much they are cared for and valued, a message that they often do not receive given that they are young parents. Additionally, the classroom work that we do often resembles group therapy than book and paper projects. I hope to bring in some therapeutic elements through fidget pillows and small items they can use to settle any discomfort they may have while sharing their challenges as teen parents. Ultimately, I want my students to receive the message on every level that they are cared for, they belong, and that our classroom is a safe space to continue their journey as parents with others who know exactly what it is like to be in their same spot. With this support, I know they will be able to reach all the goals they have for themselves as students and as parents!

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About my class

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