"We need to help students and parents cherish and preserve the ethnic and cultural diversity that nourishes and strengthens this community - and this nation." Cesar Chavez
My second grade classroom is full of 23 bright and eager students who each bring a unique experience and perspective to our class community.
At least three different home languages are represented. There are students from single parent, same sex parent, and blended families. A wide variety of socioeconomic statuses are represented, which affect their life experiences. Additionally, there are varying racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, as well as students who have varying gender expression and representation.
We are a K-5 Title I school, and approximately 70% of students qualify for free and reduced price lunch. We also have a school wide English Language Development program.
My Project
Due to the diversity in our classroom, it has become increasingly apparent how important it is for our class discussions and culture to reflect and represent students' varying life experiences. Hurtful words and actions have become more problematic recently. However, I believe these problems are stemming more from a lack of education and understanding than from a place of malice.
In order to provide students with this education, I have been presented with the opportunity to teach a high quality curriculum this spring. The curriculum first explores the diversity in our families. We will then address gender roles and stereotyping. Finally, we will discuss name calling and bullying. Students will learn to respect, value, and cherish the diversity that makes our classroom community great, while also building a safe space for all students to be and express who they are.
The 16 books requested in this project will be a companion to the curriculum students will be working through this spring.
As addressed in the quote from Cesar Chavez, this type of curriculum provides an opportunity for all students and their families to learn about and value our differences. My hope is to build a classroom community where students feel safe, represented, and appreciated, both this year and in years to come.
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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. Bridgens and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.