The students in my classroom are students with learning, speech and emotional disabilities. My class serves students with a range of disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, and specific learning disabilities.
Many of the students in my class read at a first grade level and struggle with basic phonics and number sense.
90% of my students are African American or Latino and come from low income neighborhoods. As a special education teacher I have to deliver excellent instruction in science, math, English and social studies. I need the necessary tools to engage, motivate and teach my students.
My Project
An aquarium is a hands-on teaching tool. Establishing an aquarium offers students the opportunity to learn directly through experience. Caring for the aquarium kindles a sense of responsibility, achievement, and a genuine desire to learn.
A "teaching aquarium" in the classroom helps encourage and develop an interest in reading, writing, critical thinking, and science.
Reading is an essential part of everyday life. Students will enjoy researching topics such as fish species, plants, or reefs to learn more about aquarium keeping.
An aquarium can also be used to teach students about specific topics such as fish anatomy and other topics such as the food chain, and the water cycle.
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
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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 Mrs. Johnson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
