My school is a Title 1 school along the Canadian Border. We are a very rural, high poverty area with limited access to arts enrichment experiences. Because many of my students have not had the opportunity to travel to view artworks, I try and bring them into the classroom. I use Nearpod to create art history lessons. Using Nearpod allows me to bring the world directly into the classroom. Many of them did not know that the Louve in Paris existed until we took a virtual field trip. Now many have expressed interest in wanting to travel and see it for themselves. I have seen their curiosity bloom since using this program. It has expanded their world and allowed them to embrace possibility.
Students at my school are passionate about art.
They are extremely creative, even with limited resources. I try and give them every opportunity for enrichment experiences, even if it is just through their computer. I want to continue to give them opportunities to see the world, be it virtually or in-person because exposure to art can change their lives. It can bring them out of poverty, build empathy, and create lifelong learners.
My Project
I teach art at a Title 1 school and art history has always been a passion of mine. I strive to make my students just as passionate about it as I am. I have been doing art history talks to bring awareness of different artists and art movements and how they impact our own projects. I have been using my free trial of Nearpod to enhance the talks and I have never seen my students more engaged and curious and filled with wonder. They can access virtual field trips, make drawings of their own, write essays about what they have learned and post questions they have. This program has brought artists to life. It has sparked curiosity, rich discussion, and a desire to experience the world in a way I have never seen before. I wish to continue to use this program in my classroom to further their education and expand their worlds. Many do not get to travel beyond our state, and this program gives them access to spaces they might never see otherwise. It also makes them aware of places they didn't know existed. Teaching about Impressionism was much more enriching when they could take a tour of the Louvre or Monet's gardens. Giving them access to spaces they might not have access to otherwise makes the information stick with them. I have seen it motivate them, and if they are motivated they can do anything and go anywhere. I believe that art is a powerful force that can change lives. Using Nearpod has sparked that change and it is my hope that what they see on their screens in my classroom will one day bring them there in person.
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. Midi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.