This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach kindergarten in Illinois. According to our IL School Report Card, we are a 97% free or reduced lunch public school. We are a uniform school, many of my students wear the same uniform every day because it is the only one they own. My students do not get many opportunities to explore or work with educational manipulatives, so they would be so excited to receive the dramatic play costumes and career props! My students love coming to school, working in their centers and experiencing a student-centered classroom. It makes school a happier place and the positive environment improves learning. I would love to be able to add something special to our classroom to make it more exciting for them!
Many children today do not have the opportunity to pretend, use their imaginations, or showcase their talents! Kindergarten has definitely changed from when I was a 5 year old. I remember the sand/water table, kitchenette, dress up, puzzles, and old school manipulatives. Now it's all work with very little (if any materials) to promote imaginative play. I have seen how simple clothing pieces (from the thrift store) could motivate a group of students to put on a show. This is learning and enrichment that doesn't come from a workbook or teaching to the standardized tests (yes, we now have those in kindergarten!) Creative thinking and practices are the foundation for building and inspiring curiosity that seeks to invent things from the light bulb to Google.com!!
I want my students to learn about different occupations that are attainable to them. What they can dream ~ they can be!!
Best to start in kindergarten so they have something to strive for through their school years!! They can dress up as a veterinarian, construction worker, doctor, mail carrier, etc. and act out what they want to be when they grow up!!
I would also like to include extra costumes to promote story telling, social skills, and increase their confidence in front of others. I have seen shy students come 'out of their shells' during a skit, song, or story reenactment. It is awesome to witness a boost in a child's self-confidence, the smile, and the eagerness to do more!!!
Your support will hopefully empower my students to strive to be productive members of society when they graduate high school in 2021 and college in 2025! To think that a donation today can have such long-lasting effects!!!
Think of your favorite things you did in kindergarten.... activities like the fun interactions with friends, imaginative play, and 'acting like grown-ups' in the drama corner that we recall many years later.
My students and I would truly appreciate any size donation to this grant that will possibly have long-lasting influence and memories!!
Thank you for your consideration!
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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. Bangart and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.