My students are a diverse group of kids living in Brooklyn, NY that strive to succeed. They speak many different languages and come from various cultures and countries, some even new to the country just learning the language. I am teaching in a kindergarten special education classroom, in a 6:1:1 which means there will be one teacher and half two paraprofessionals. We will also have a few students that are new to the country and just learning English and a few students who are non-verbal and have difficulty communicating their wants and needs. They also have difficulty with blowing their nose and keeping their fingers out of their mouth. They all come from various socioeconomic backgrounds, but most come from low-income households. My students range in all levels of learning. My school is a wonderful community of different learners that all work together to do their best. My students are always eager to come to school and learn new things, even in this new world of education. Keeping them safe and educated is my biggest concern.
My Project
Classroom cleanliness and safety are always important, but this year more than ever. Last year we went through so many masks and other cleaning supplies. This year all the students should be returning to in-person learning. This is wonderful, but we are using more and more PPE as well.
Our job as educators is to make sure our rooms are clean and safe for these students to learn in.
These materials will help to keep staff and students safe, creating a healthy environment and preventing multiple absences.
Hand washing and sanitizing are constant things both in the classroom and outside. We go through hand sanitizer and face masks constantly. Many students come to school with masks that are either too small or too big for their faces. Some only have one mask and don't understand the importance of a clean mask. As the day goes on and they eat and play outside, masks have to be changed, and hands must be cleaned, sanitized, and dried. This has become the new normal, and it is my job to make sure they stay safe and keep their family members safe. It shouldn't be their burden.
As well as keeping hands clean, we must clean and sanitize all the materials we use in the classroom. Disinfecting wipes go real fast. You wouldn't want your child eating on a dirty desk, would you?
Health and safety have to be a top priority nowadays in the schools, and unfortunately, the schools and city do not supply classrooms with enough materials to get through the school year.
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