My students enter first grade with much excitement and enthusiasm. Over 75% of them are English language learners from low-income families who receive free and reduced-price lunches. Their parents have the highest expectations for their children to excel in school and encourage them to do well, but many lack the time or skills to personally help them academically. Many students struggle with school because they are also learning to speak English. Others have special needs that make learning more challenging. Because of their backgrounds, many struggle and come to school unprepared.
As their teacher, I must find strategies to motivate them to do their best so they can thrive and succeed.
First grade can be quite challenging as the students must learn concepts from all subject areas including reading, writing, and math. I try my best to ensure each and every one progresses and ultimately masters all first grade concepts while at the same time infusing the curriculum with fun activities!
My Project
This project is all about empowering students through art and writing. Each student will receive a scrapbook which will be used to highlight their first grade memories. They will express their artistic creativity by designing each scrapbook page. They will draw pictures and select stickers, words, ribbons, decorations, and photos (taken throughout the school year) to place on each page. Their creativity will be the motivating force for the students to write stories, phrases, captions, labels, and sentences to go along with each page. Photos, art, and a beautiful scrapbook waiting to be filled are very motivating and convincing tools for writing. When students see the photos and the lovingly created art on each page, they will be eager to write. How exciting it will be for parents to receive such a special book of their children’s writing with their artistic abilities showcased in each scrapbook.
With your help, support, and generosity, not only will you encourage children to practice their writing skills, but you will ultimately provide each student with a beautiful work of art -- their scrapbooks -- that they created and wrote themselves.
They will read, cherish, admire, and share with family and friends for years to come. This project will build their skills and love of writing as well as art!
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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. Mak and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.