My students are willing to try anything. They range in age from 6 to 12 and are eager to learn from me and each other.
"I was waiting for the acting!" One rather rambunctious second grader told me to explain why he had worked hard to stay focused all day.
His enthusiasm is just one example of why I am motivated to give them new experiences with new resources.
My Project
As a drama specialist in the elementary classrooms, I have seen an increase in anxiety and depression. I use children's picture books as springboards for students to express their feelings, perspectives, and ideas through drama. Very few of my books address social-emotional learning directly. Using stories that more directly address the stressors in students' lives will give them an outlet in a safe place with trusted adults to learn coping skills.
These books, covering loss, covid, social unrest, sadness, and hope will be used in the classroom and counselor's office.
Creative drama in particular is an excellent tool for social-emotional learning. Please help me use that tool in a more targeted way to help our students navigate an increasingly complex world.
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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. January and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.