My class is filled with 11 amazing students with special needs ranging from first - sixth grade. With such a range of ages and ability levels, it is essential for them to have as many hands-on experiences as possible to help them achieve their yearly academic and functional goals. They love learning!
I love my students!
They are a wonderful mix of 7 boys and 4 girls. Some have verbal skills and others are emerging in their communication abilities.
Some of my students need a lot of teacher assistance to progress in their learning of functional, behavioral, social and academic skills.
Most of the older students practice the skills they are learning by spending some time each day with grade level peers in addition to their time in my classroom. This gives them a chance to practice social skills too.
Our school, while not a Title I school, does have a high ratio of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch. We also have a lot of students who are living in single parent homes.
Students in the general education classes are amazing friends to my students. They go out of their way to be mentors for them and show them respect, patience and understanding.
My Project
When federal funding to education was cut a few years ago, it directly impacted Special Needs classes since that is where a lot of our funding comes from. We used to have consistent opportunities to practice appropriate public behavior skills and access of community resources through regular field trips.
This project is for a field trip to the Museum of Natural Curiosity. This trip will give my class the opportunity to experience. The Museum of Natural Curiosity is a great place for kids to explore and do things. It is very hands-on.
My students can have adventures with the rain forest, water works, Kidopolis (a city for kids) and exploring exhibits.
They will be able to move and touch and do. It will be an opportunity for them to explore, see and do new things. Many of the activities directly relate to different grade level curriculum so they will get to access their grade's curriculum in a meaningful way for them.
I want to give my students the opportunity to take advantage of the wonderful resources for learning that are in our own community.
The Museum of Natural Curiosity is one of those resources which was planned and built as a learning and exploring tool for children.
I believe this field trip will give my students new things to experience and learn, enhance grade level curriculum, and provide practice for my students in being out in the community.
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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. Chipman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
