Bringing the Wonders of the Universe to the Classroom
My students need a solar system-themed carpet for whole group learning as well as some space themed NASA space photos and space decor to bring the wonder of the universe to the classroom.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Wilson's classroom raised $683
This project is fully funded
My Students
Our class consists of two dozen uniquely energetic, creative, motivated six- and seven-year-old students, embarking on the epic adventure that is First Grade. Ours is a neighborhood school, serving the families of our city since 1953. Our class and school has an amazing group of children from a fabulously diverse range of backgrounds and experiences. Unfortunately, high poverty is part of the experience for most of these young learners.
These wonderfully wiggly young learners deserve every advantage as we work together to improve achievement in reading, math, and science by focusing on the whole child - building confidence while fostering their creativity and curiosity.
Lifelong learners are created by lighting the spark of imagination that drives a passion to learn.
I teach my students through rich, integrated units that make connections between literature, science, math, social studies, and the arts. Every unit begins at the carpet, with a rich piece of children's literature.
Thank you for taking the time to read about how we can work together to provide for tools for imaginative creation, collaboration, and authentic learning experiences in our classroom!
My Project
For starters, almost all direct instruction that takes place in our classroom happens at the carpet. In our room, it is currently taking place on a piece of worn, drab, indoor-outdoor carpet that I bought new a few years ago at a home improvement store because it was what I could afford as a new teacher. It was too long, so I had to cut off a few feet and Gorilla Taped the edge. It is low ply, so not at all comfy for my students to sit on for any length of time. I finally began the search for a carpet that would suit our needs.
I do not like the idea of confining students to a single, colored carpet square and would rather allow them some room and freedom of movement; this carpet has plenty of space for everyone to have enough room and the solar system theme is perfect for the Next Generation Science Standards for first grade!
I have never really been a fan of classroom "themes" - I find them to be distracting. But this year, I have been tracking my students' progress toward their reading goals with little spaceships with their photos on them and they love it! So when I found this carpet, I decided that it would be a perfect fit for our STEAM and science-friendly classroom environment.
Our science standards include study of the moon and its phases and the relationships between the Earth, moon, and Sun. The vibrant posters I've selected, along with the 3-D solar system models will help recreate wonderful visual representations of what the students are learning during our integrated units of study. My students will be able to see multiple representations of the Sun, Earth, moon, and other planets in relationship to one another.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Wilson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.