My students are 51 enthusiastic K and first grade ELLs (English Language Learners) in NJ. They come to school every day eager to learn. Our school is a Title I school, with many students coming from economically disadvantaged homes. Some of them have limited opportunity to have hands-on experiences. This is especially true when it comes to opportunities to participate in nature-related activities.
My students are budding scientists.
They are naturally curious and inquisitive about the world around them. They are excited to see living things like dandelions, ants, spiders, or butterflies on the playground.
My Project
I am excited to get started with the pollinating garden with my students. To make this possible we need two flowerbeds, 2 bags of wild flower seeds, 3 watering cans, 100 peat pots and a grow light to germinate the seeds indoors. Once the seedlings sprout they will be transplanted into the flowerbeds. Students will then take turns watering the growing plants to ensure their growth. Students will be actively involved in the creation and maintenance of this garden.
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin
This project is aligned with the NGSS Life Science strand. The garden will enable my students to have hands-on activities on what living things need and how they grow. They will learn about the life cycles of plants and animals. They will discover how plants and animals are dependent on one another. They will research what pollinators are and which flowers will attract them. This project will also promote cooperation and responsibility. Real life experiences are especially beneficial to ELLs in promoting their oral language and writing proficiencies. Lastly, my student can take pride in a project that will beautify the school.
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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. Hui and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
