My first grade students come from varying backgrounds, homes and with unique challenges. I teach in a low-income/high poverty school and am always looking for ways to help my students be happy and successful. Together we create a family-like atmosphere, where we learn together and love each other!
Although my students face many daily challenges- academically, socially, behaviorally - they strive to excel and work hard!
They really love school and I love opening their eyes to new experiences!
My classroom is one where they feel loved and find their love of learning! They are active and curious by nature and I provide a culture where they can be themselves! First graders are just starting out in their educational lives and it's my job and privilege to make sure they are engaged and meet success on a daily basis!
My Project
Just like the world, my classroom is made of diverse children. However, my classroom library does not represent that diversity. I want my students to hear books read by me and to be able to choose books that represent their cultures, experiences, religions, and beliefs.
My students need to know that the way the look, where they come from, what challenges they experience are all appreciated and that they are not alone in that journey.
I want my students to see themselves in the books that we read. I've heard these called "mirror" books because students can see themselves in the characters. They also need "window" books so they can look out into the world and learn about others through good literature.
My library mostly consists of books with fair skinned families. I'm asking for books about Hispanic, African American, Asian and other cultures around the world. I also want books that touch upon difficult situations that my students deal with, for example immigration issues, incarceration of a parent, and dealing with disabilities of themselves and even others. I believe that exposing my students to different cultures, backgrounds and experiences will help build empathy and understanding of all people. If they can learn this in first grade, what a wonderful world this will be.
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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. Teasdale and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
