I teach traditional first grade at a low income elementary school in Boise, Idaho. Our school is extremely one of a kind, as we have a dual Spanish and English program that brings cultures together, creating a diverse and unique learning environment. To add to this, we have a community schools program, that unites our students, staff, families, and community. As a traditional first grade teacher, I interact with students from a variety of backgrounds.
On a daily basis, I have students tell me how happy they are to come to school each morning.
I would say one thing my students rely on most in my classroom is the structure and consistency of our day to day routines. I also believe that the culture of our classroom has a great deal to do with my student's desire to be at school. Each morning, students are greeted at the door, and have a morning meeting where they catch up with their peers or share news with the class. The sense of community you feel when you step in to our classroom makes this class truly one of a kind.
My Project
Often times it's the simplest things that make the school day go by smoother and allow more learning to be done. As a second year teacher, I am recognizing this more and more each day.
My Back to the Basics project is all about the little things in the classroom that make all the difference.
My goal for this project is to fund items that will ultimately allow more efficient and maximized instructional time in the classroom. Below is a highlight of some requested items and how they will be implemented in the classroom:
-An electric pencil sharpener will make sharpening pencils quicker and easier, taking less time away from instruction.
-Rotating supply organizers, that are accessible to all students while seated at their tables, will shorten transition and supply gathering time, and maximize instructional time.
-Dry erase markers are used by students daily during morning number writes and math warm-ups. An established supply of dry-erase markers will allow for more instructional time by minimizing time spent looking for working markers, or sharing with peers.
-During tier math and reading, students participate in small group instruction at the teacher table. Currently, the number of chairs that fit comfortably around this table does not support the number needed for small group instruction. Small, stackable stools will allow students to gather for small group comfortable and maximize their learning.
These are just a few examples of the items we still need in our classroom in order to maximize instructional time and allow for meaningful learning. Thank you for your help!
GlareShade Fluorescent Light Filter Diffuser Covers (5 pack; blue color). Eliminate Harsh Glare that causes Eyestrain and Headaches at Work and School while Improving Focus and Classroom Management.
• Amazon Business
$29.99
2
$59.98
mDesign Office Supply Lazy Susan Turntable Organizer for Home Offices, Craft Rooms - Pack of 4, Clear
• Amazon Business
$54.88
1
$54.88
Expo 80001 Low Odor Chisel Point Dry Erase Markers, Low Odor Alcohol-Based Ink, Designed for Whiteboards, Glass and Most Non-Porous Surfaces, Black, 12 Units per Box, Pack of 6 Boxes, 72 Markers Total
• Amazon Business
$39.25
1
$39.25
X-ACTO School Pro Classroom Electric Pencil Sharpener, Blue, 1 Count (1670)
• Amazon Business
$33.99
1
$33.99
TOPS Masonite Clipboards, 9 x 13 Inches, Pack of Six (25400)
• Amazon Business
$6.81
4
$27.24
Fiskars 01-005452 Recycled Bypass Trimmer, 12 Inch
• Amazon Business
$25.93
1
$25.93
Bissell Sweep Up 2101-3 Cordless Sweeper
• Amazon Business
$23.80
1
$23.80
Germ-X Hand Sanitizer, Original, Pump Bottle, 30 Fluid Ounce (Pack of 4)
• Amazon Business
$15.96
1
$15.96
Materials cost
$383.21
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$23.18
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.75
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$442.14
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$78.02
Total project goal
$520.16
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$520.16
5 Donors
-$520.16
Donations toward project cost
-$442.14
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Kaestner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
