My school is in an older neighborhood and many of the families are working hard to make ends meet. That means long hours at home alone for many of my students. That also means no one at home to support them with homework or reading. I take joy in providing them a safe, supportive environment to learn.
The students in my classroom are starting to "read to learn" rather than "learning to read." I work all year to build up my students' self-esteem.
In our class, they are no longer the lowest kids in the room. This gives them a chance to build their confidence and take chances. It is amazing the way their minds open up to new information once those doubts are taken away.
Teaching this unique group of second graders is a lot of work. But I have had the privilege to watch them all blossom in this supportive environment.
My Project
These Keva Planks will take my students' understanding of engineering to a higher level. In my classroom, when the students have choices, the most popular activities are those that involve building. The low tech supplies such as blocks, dominoes and legos are in high demand. I love to see their imaginations come alive when they are using these materials.
I would love to challenge my blossoming engineers with this new building material and see where their imaginations take them.
I'm especially excited about the challenge cards that require them to take a 2 dimensional image and create something 3 dimensional.
When students finish their everyday work, giving them more work is not a reward. I like to provide options for them that encourage them to complete their work, as well as challenge their brains in new and interesting ways. It is wonderful to see a student who normally struggles discover that they have a talent for engineering!
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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. Dean and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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