My fondest memories of both learning and teaching are the times that we spent as a classroom community, learning together on the carpet. Gathering as a class to listen to a story, sing songs and share with one another is how a group of students and their teacher become not just that - but a family.
I am a first year teacher.
I will be teaching first grade come August, and I cannot possibly put into words how excited I am to meet my students in just a few short weeks! Having dreamed of this day since I came home from school the first day of kindergarten, I feel that I have spent practically my entire life preparing for this year. That being said, I have spent as much as I possibly can of my own money on resources and materials for my classroom. I was able to save up a good amount from summer jobs and graduation gift money to purchase necessary items - but as anyone in education can understand, as a teacher you will never be able to afford it all on your own. I know that my first ever class of students will hold a special place in my heart, and I already feel that they deserve the best learning environment that I can possibly provide for them!
My Project
This large, colorful carpet is sure to bring brightness to our first grade classroom! It is sectioned into squares, giving each student a place of their own to sit. Having individual squares not only provides students with a personal space, but saves time because I will not have to spend time before we get started helping the students figure out where to sit. In addition to squares, the carpet is divided into different color rows which make it easier to call and dismiss students to and from the carpet, as well as have them work in a group or team. My class and I will spend a great deal of time learning in the whole-group setting, and this carpet will be the gathering place for us each and every day. I plan to read aloud to them multiple times a day, practice math during "Calendar Time" as a class, and give students a chance to practice sharing ideas with their peers on the carpet. Students will also be able to use the carpet to work on projects independently or in small groups.
As a first year teacher, it is important to me that I build up the resources and materials needed to create a welcoming and well organized classroom.
Having a carpet that is large enough to house all of my students will give us the perfect place to come together and do our learning as a team. Students will have a "home base" in the classroom. The helpfulness of this carpet reaches far beyond my first year - it will be a staple in my classroom for years and years to come.
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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. Albritton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.