Their little "Bottoms" have to move,
upon a floor that's cold,hard,smooth.
A soft, warm carpet is what they need,
to snuggle close and learn to read!
I teach First Grade in my hometown, where both my parents and grandparents attended school. So my students are like family. We live in a very rural area, which means there are no large business', corporations, or civic committees that can help classroom funding. Moreover, the average family income in the community falls below poverty level, so they have no means to help.
Here's the problem: School guidelines require that I teach a 2 HOUR reading block. So from 8:00-10:00 everyday my students will be engaged in literacy. Can you imagine, 25 energetic kids sitting at their desks for 2 hours? That's impossible! First graders can only stay focused for 15-20 minutes at a time. In order for students to be successful learners, they must have some type of break every 20 mins.
My solution: Get their "Bottoms Up"! During the 2 hour Reading Block, I want my students to move! I will divide instruction into small lessons, then conduct each lesson in a different area of the classroom. For example, we will use student desks, carpet area, center areas, and computer. We'll spend a little time in each area then move to another. The quick transitions will allow students' minds the necessary break to keep them focused.
Astonishingly, during one school-year, a first grader will spend about 560 hours learning to read in my classroom. So, I've tried to create a warm and friendly learning environment; but, I do not have the resources to purchase a classroom carpet. If we had a carpet, it would make the 2 hour reading block seem more like fun than work. Children could use the carpet for reading with a buddy, sharing a big book, acting out nursery rhymes, learning a new song, or (my favorite) listening to the teacher read a story. The multi-cultural carpet, that I've selected, will build student curiosity and inspire 21st century learning.
Your gift will give children a soft, warm place to snuggle close and learn to read! You will be helping build a sense of community among students (including special needs, speech impaired, hyper-active, and learning difficulities. Plus, your donation will provide an opportunity for children to generate questions about our world and broaden their global understanding. Giving to "Bottoms Up" will be an investment in the future!
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. Samosky and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.