First graders are an awful lot of fun, but "life lessons" are still very new to them. They struggle with personal space. My kids, in particular, struggle with ownership. Being students of "low income status," a lot of their world is constantly changing. Assigned spots provides a sense of normalcy.
My school may not be the most wealthy, but it tries hard to act like a family.
We care for our kids, and we want to make them feel welcomed. I want to welcome my students to my classroom by letting them know that I believe in them. I want them to feel capable of success. I don't want them to feel like they can't do something because they don't have the necessary supplies or space. My kids get very excited over having ownership of something, even as seemingly simple as a square on the carpet. It gives them a place that they know will be there, waiting for them, each and every day. It gives them a space where they are all equal.
My Project
Having this rug in my classroom will create a permanent focus point for our lessons. Students enjoy carpet time for whole group lessons, small group lessons, and individual reading time. In the past, we have used duct tape on the carpet to tape off squares for students. The tape peeled up throughout the year and it left a messy residue for years to come. The new rug will not only cover the old stains, but it will differentiate spaces beautifully!
Donations to this project will help my students have a more beautiful and more functional classroom.
It will provide purposeful spaces for them to work. The rug will also help me to split my class into groups, as the colored boxes will make a visible divide. This rug will be a beautiful and cheery place for us to gather every morning!
Nearly all 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
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 Ms. Zipperer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
