Colored Light Filters and Paper For a More Comfortable Classroom
My students need a classroom environment that is calm and comfortable to facilitate learning. These fabric light filters and colored copy paper will help them to focus and concentrate. The felt pads will minimize distracting noise.
My students come from a variety of cultural backgrounds, some with English language challenges, most from low income families, some newly arrived in this country or this city and unfamiliar with our school and our classes.
They sit in groups with classmates who would appear to be very different from them, but quickly find common interests and learn to work together as they learn Algebra 2, improve their work habits, and develop effective teamwork.
They help each other with the math problems, they talk about school sports and events, sometimes help translate for those whose English is not strong, and over the course of the year, they become friends.
My Project
My students come to my class, with some challenges to their concentration and energy. Many of them are tired from working a job the night before, or taking care of younger siblings. Many of them need (and don't have) glasses, or suffer from allergies and asthma. The glaring overhead fluorescent lights and bright white paper for worksheets and notes can aggravate fatigued eyes or migraine headaches. I use a Smartboard frequently and overhead lights are very bright, making it hard to see what is on the board.
These fabric light filters soften the overhead glare, creating a much more comfortable environment to look at the board or work on written assignments; it has been shown in numerous studies and practices that filtered light improves the mood in a classroom- students are calmer and more focused.
We do a lot of work on photocopied paper handouts. Reading and writing on white paper is hard on strained or fatigued eyes. Using pastel-colored paper can be easier on the eyes (and a little more motivating and fun) than stark white paper. Again research has shown that students with certain learning challenges or vision problems do much better if they read printed material on pastel colored paper.
The felt pads will help keep distracting noise to a minimum as the students move around the room or get into and out of their seats.
Your generosity by donating to this project will help my students overcome some of the difficulties they face everyday as they try to focus and concentrate on doing their best learning.
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 Ms. Maidelis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
