My students enter first grade with much excitement and enthusiasm. Over 75% of them are English language learners from low-income families who receive free and reduced-price lunches. Their parents have the highest expectations for their children to excel in school and encourage them to do well, but many lack the time or skills to personally help them academically. Many students struggle with school because they are also learning to speak English. Others have special needs that make learning more challenging. Because of their backgrounds, many struggle and come to school unprepared.
As their teacher, I must find strategies to motivate them to do their best so they can thrive and succeed.
First grade can be quite challenging as the students must learn concepts from all subject areas including reading, writing, and math. I try my best to ensure each and every one progresses and ultimately masters all first grade concepts while at the same time infusing the curriculum with fun activities!
My Project
This project is about empowering students to be successful and creative through art. All too often in my classroom, we focus on the "academics" and have little time left for fun; this project will remedy this by encouraging my students to paint pictures on canvases to express their artistic creativity. The students will plan what they would like to create. When they have completed their planning, they will use the materials from this project -- canvases, paint, and paintbrushes -- to put their ideas into action by painting on the canvases.
This project will add fun and creativity to our academic life!
This will be especially helpful for children with special needs as they can showcase their artistic talents. How exciting it will be for parents to receive beautiful artwork created by their children. I am hoping that the students will be able to complete this project as gifts for Mother’s Day. With your help, support, and generosity, you will provide each student and their mothers with beautiful works of art that they can cherish and admire. Thank you!
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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. Mak and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.