Teaching in a low-income, high poverty school has got to be one of the most rewarding positions to be in. Many of my students are faced with daily obstacles and challenges that kids just should not have to worry about at the young ages of ten and eleven.
As an educator, I have a chance to make a difference in my students' lives, and that is what I intend to do.
My students don't need flashy, materialist items. They need a place to come to each day that is consistent and loving; somewhere they can focus on being a kid, learning, and growing into productive members of our society. This all starts with the feeling of belonging, the feeling of being a part of a group no matter what.
My Project
This year, our fifth grade group focused on the book "Wonder" all year. I read aloud to my students because I own only one copy of the novel. Wonder is a realistic fiction story based on a fifth grade boy with facial deformities. Within the novel, the same story is told through different points of view giving students an idea of how not only can one person change many others' lives, but everyone looks at each situation a little differently.
The overall theme of this story is to be kind, no matter the difference or situation- something I strive to teach my kids daily.
We completed many different art projects and kindness projects based on what we learned through this book and I know, without a doubt, my kiddos have changed for the better because of this.
In addition to a class set of "Wonder", I hope to add to my flexible seating options with kneeling pads so that all students are comfortable when learning in the classroom. I would like to continue to focus on a student-centered learning environment where my kiddos are in control of how they learn.
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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. Richards and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
