My students need 8 sporting good materials such as a yoga kit, playground balls, speed ropes, and rhythm ribbons to help build physical fitness and confidence.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. P.'s classroom raised $513
This project is fully funded
Hi! I am a first-grade teacher in New York. I am reaching out to Donors Choose to fund a project that will help many of the students in our Chinatown school. Although the school is a lovely place to work and learn, we always want to do more for our students - and with over 80% receiving free lunch, we could certainly use your help!
Our students face an obstacle that is common in many urban areas - no space and time to play! Simply put, our approximately 1,100 students do not get enough physical activity to build good health, fitness, and confidence. After lunch, our students watch a movie in the auditorium rather than have recess, and many classes - my first graders included - get a measly 45 minutes a week (a week!) of Physical Education in the gym. With our country's rising obesity epidemic, and the dangers of asthma and early-onset diabetes, it is so important to instill an enjoyment and habit of regular physical activity in children. Frankly, it is just sad to watch children who cannot walk up a few flights of stairs, or who are so obviously uncomfortable in their own bodies. These children are suffering physically and emotionally. Although many people may feel that this is the parents' responsibility, many of our families have such limited resources that it would be an impossible financial burden to enroll their child in after-school sports activities.
I have become so saddened by this situation that I want to help out, and my principal has agreed. She will give me time in the morning to run a fitness club. However, since my goal is to make physical activity fun, I need some help! Our PE supplies leave much to be desired - a few broken hula hoops, some balls that need air, a couple of traffic cones. Would you join a gym with such limited resources? Neither would I!
I am asking for some fun, age-appropriate supplies so that I will be able to lead the children in a wide variety of activities - dance, team-building games, traditional sports, yoga, and more! If fitness is fun, children will be engaged and excited. They will be more likely to come on a regular basis, and far more likely to make exercise a habit for life.
With your help, I hope to lead students into a healthier, happier future! In the short-term, studies have repeatedly shown that children who engage in regular physical activity do better on standardized tests, are more alert in school, and have greater self-discipline than students who are more sedentary. Students who have something to do after school (like play a sport) are more goal-oriented, have greater confidence on and off the field, and are less likely to try alcohol, recreational drugs, or to join gangs. When we model a healthy lifestyle for children and provide opportunities for fitness, we are giving them so much more than some extra playtime. What we will give is a gift that will last a lifetime: self-confidence, good health, and an understanding and respect for their bodies and themselves.
This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. P. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.