My students need sketchbooks so they can create Art Journals. Art journals will be used so my low income students can process trauma and use art to help them heal.
I teach Introduction to Art in a public high school. Most of my students live in poverty and have experienced extreme trauma. Violence and neglect are commonplace and they take an emotional toll on many of my students. My students crave opportunities to control and create; to express themselves and communicate their experiences without judgement. They would love the chance to have something that is uniquely their own, especially since many of them do not even have their own bedrooms at home. Their eyes light up anytime they get something that is just for them. My kids need to know that there is good in this world and that they deserve to have good things happen for them.
My Project
My kids have experienced unimaginable trauma and often don't have the resources or coping skills to help them process their emotions so they can regroup and become more resilient. These art journals would give my students a safe place to work through some of their feelings and express themselves without judgement.
Art journals would not only serve as a refuge for my students, they would also provide a space for them to work through project ideas and inspire content for future art works.
Because the budget provided by my school district can only cover the cost of basic supplies and materials, I can not afford to offer Art Journals to my students without help from you.
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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. Benker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.