Art is everywhere, and so are my students' wet paintings! I teach art at two small high-needs elementary schools. I am the first art teacher at these schools and I am eager to fill my classrooms with the supplies and equipment my students need and deserve.
As I mentioned, my students' paintings are everywhere: on the floor, atop the lockers, on the window sills, on the air conditioner, and sometimes on the hallway floor. Why? Well, my students love to paint. When they are finished, their dripping masterpieces quickly fill up the drying rack, and then they end up spread out on the floor, and so on. It is difficult to merely walk through the room!
I need an additional drying rack in both of my classrooms. With ample space to set their work to dry, my students will feel free to create, create, create. No longer will they hear me say "Don't step on the artwork!"
Part of the "hidden curriculum" in art class is teaching students to persist in their work habits. With more space to store drying artwork, my students will no longer be limited to one try per project. They will feel encouraged to make many paintings, which will develop this habit of persistence - a habit that will benefit them in all academic subjects and in life as well.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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 Ms. Laurenzi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.