This next school year, I am going to be switching grade levels and will be teaching first grade! I feel very fortunate to be getting the opportunity to be working with 25 energetic first graders and am excited to see what this next year will bring. I work at an inner-city school where the majority of our students receive free or reduced price lunch. We have a very high ELL (English Language Learners) and special education population.
Many of our students have an inconsistent home life and just having them come to school on a regular basis is reason to celebrate.
Before we worry about curriculum, we try to make sure that their basic needs are met. Despite their difficulties outside of school, the majority of my students come to school eager to learn. Our school is always trying to provide a warm community for our students to grow as individuals. I am always greeted by smiling faces and big hugs, especially after a weekend. I believe it is our duty to provide our students with the best learning opportunities and materials. Unfortunately, our school budget doesn't always allow for that.
My Project
The first day of school is filled with emotions, from meeting your new teacher and exploring the classroom to opening your pencil boxes. There is an energy in the air to see what lies in store in those pencil boxes!
Due to our districts' budget constraints, we cannot always purchase all of the supplies our students are going to need throughout the school year and I believe that my students deserve the very best and access high-quality learning tools.
The supplies in this project will make a difference in my students' learning by continuing to offer them high-quality tools while they grow during the school year. My new first graders will be using the pencils to write personal narratives, solve math problems, and practice their fine motor skills. They will be using the crayons, markers, and glue to complete projects and make their nonfiction writing match their vision. These supplies will help them feel excited to open those pencil boxes every day.
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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. McLaughlin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.