My students need a counter top convection oven, a can opener, a griddle, a food chopper, and other cooking supplies for language experience activities.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
What if you didn't know the names of foods you ate everyday? What if you couldn't ask for a plate, a cup, or napkin because you didn't have the language? That's what it's like for my students EVERYDAY!
Deaf, Deaf/Blind, orthopedically, cognitively impaired, autistic..... I have them all.
We are one big happy family. Most of them are non-verbal but are learning to communicate in a supportive environment. They love "hands on" activities such as cooking, working in the "garden", completing their classroom jobs. Their favorite part of the day is Circle Time. They know the routine so well that I can practically sit back and let them take over. They help each other, take turns, scold each other, just as if they are "mini me's".
Most of my students come from very impoverished homes. So I know that their time with me should be so much more than just educational and when I see the smiles on their faces or the tears in their eyes when they have to go home early, I know it is. While everyday might not go as I plan, and sometimes my classroom looks likes a disaster zone, I know that everyday will be different and challenging in its own way.
My Project
My students and I have been moved to a new school with a much larger classroom. It has a kitchen set up, but with only a small refrigerator, a stacked washer/dryer, and a microwave oven.
I've been using the toaster oven from home to provide them with Language Experience activities through cooking. However, with our new classroom, so much more is possible.
I'm requesting a counter top oven, appliances, kitchen tools, and dining supplies in order to provide them with the language they need.
Language Experience activities are highly structured lessons. Using assistive technology (AT), American sign language, icons and pictures they decide what they would like to make (given choices). We make lists of what is needed, they have to follow instructions, pay attention to timers, set the table, prepare the food, and help to serve each other. We then make books using photos from their "experience". It's a great way to learn!
These children DO NOT get a lot of communication at home.
It's so important for them to learn HOW to communicate using motivating strategies. Through cooking I'm able to teach language that encompasses Math, Science, Language Arts and Social Studies. Please help me obtain a my goal of a working kitchen so that I can make language and communication meaningful to my students. They deserve it.
Nearly all 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. Lloyd-Carney and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
