Third grade is a magical year! These eight and nine year olds have a genuine enthusiasm, natural curiosity and passion for learning, which adds to the excitement of the daily discoveries made in our classroom. I teach approximately 25-30 third graders each year. I am reaching out to the generous donors that participate with Donors Choose to purchase a classroom rug for my students.
I am a teacher who believes in community.
Each year I strive to build a stronger classroom community by including special places in our classroom for learning to take place and also special things that will enhance the learning experience. Some of our best moments as a "family" come when we are all gathered at the carpet in the front of our classroom. It is here that we welcome special guests, engage in riveting interactive read alouds and share our ideas and stories with each other. I would like to enhance this experience at the carpet by providing my students with a comfortable and organized space for them to meet.
My Project
The carpet space in our classroom is like the family dinner table. Just like the family dinner table, our carpet space is a place where we build classroom community. It is my personal goal that through rich conversations, sharing memorable pieces of literature, developing ideas as a class and laughing together I am able to make each child feel valued, loved, respected and cared for. Making the classroom feel like home is essential to creating an environment where risks can be taken and safety for all students is felt.
Meeting at the carpet over the years has also brought students "closer" to the conversations being held and the learning experience itself.
The overall level of student engagement when we meet together in the front of the room is heightened and gives students plenty of opportunities to turn and talk with someone sitting near them. This way every voice is heard and every student is given a chance to share his/her thinking in a non-threatening way. Even though I already have students meet frequently at the carpet, the A Place for Everyone Carpet will provide an organized space for students as each student will have their own square, or place to sit. This will alleviate the confusion of where to sit or who to sit next to that often arises in an elementary classroom and can take away from learning.
By donating to this project, you will not only help improve and increase student attention and focus, you will also help me create an environment that allows students to take risks and feel that they belong in our classroom family!
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 Mrs. Wickes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
