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.
My Students
You've heard my story before - I want to revolutionize English instruction in an inclusion class. The level of involvement and empowerment I already see just by making the change from my first project is incredible. But I miscalculated what I needed to complete the transformation.
In my class we talk, we think, we listen, we fight, we grow, and, we write it all down.
I teach high school seniors in a really agricultural setting, but we are also surrounded by some diverse and interesting cities. This country vs.city push-me-pull-you is reflected in my students experiences and interests (I have goat farmers and basketball stars). I also have pretty high inclusion numbers, so a good number of my students have some learning needs that qualifies them for an IEP or a 504. Often the work dictated by the curriculum is difficult to relate to and that can cause them to become frustrated and disinterested. My school has quite a challenge keeping education relevant. My building has some great innovators, especially in the math and science departments, but we don't have a lot of resources. I believe our ultimate goal is to open up our students' world. We want them to see what is possible so that they can both dream big and dream practical, which is a delicate balance.
My Project
We are three weeks into the year and I'm excited about the ownership I'm seeing with this new approach to teaching English. Many of my habitual low-performers are realizing that this is not a one-chance class - mastery is the goal. I have so many kinesthetic learners that are thrilled to showcase their more hands-on talents. These final science tables are needed for construction of reading-related projects, and as serious centers for writing instruction. We paint the legs with chalkboard paint so that every surface can be written on: essays are planned in chalk on the table tops, feedback and collaboration occurs with washable paint, and even outlines and rough drafts can be sketched directly onto the table. I have extremely visual and hands-on learners. I have found that literally writing things down on a surface vastly improves their writing ability. It also improves their comfort level with me; instead of me calling out the error, I just write it on the table next to their essay!
English, especially in high school, has lost its power and relevance.
I have found a way to bring it back to life. By the end of the year, my students will be reading better, thinking more connectedly and expressing themselves in writing and academic conversation more impressively than they even knew to expect of themselves. These tables will allow me to completely change the dynamic of my classroom, and in turn to change their concept of what an English class is. That is when magic happens.
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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. Reynolds and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.