“Making creates evidence of learning. The thing you make—whether it be a robot, rocket, or blinking LED—is evidence that you did something, and there is also an entire process behind making that can be talked about and shared with others. How did you make it? Why? Where did you get the parts? Making is not just about explaining the technical process; it’s also about the communication about what you’ve done.” - Dale Dougherty. This quote illustrates what learning looks like in our classroom. Education in our classroom deviates from the “sit and get” traditional style to a learner-centered and growth-mindset environment. Students are encouraged to make their learning authentic and meaningful through choice--in partners, projects, and presentations.
We are a rural community.
Our school serves students in grades Pre-K through 6th. Within the population, 53% are economically disadvantaged. Since we are such a small school located quite a distance from larger towns or cities we count on each other and our community. Despite these challenges, my students are leaders in their own learning paths and care deeply about their community.
My Project
Schools today struggle with student engagement, attendance, test scores, and parental involvement. It is the goal of this project to increase student motivation and engagement. Through this project we will work to build a sense of community and collaboration. Flexible seating will help obtain these goals. When students feel they have ownership of their classroom and learning choices they are more responsible and engaged. OFM InterPlay Series Single Seat Chair will help this project be successful!
These items would help enrich my classroom by giving students empowerment through choice making.
Students decide which tools help them to learn and organize themselves. When students feel empowered to own their learning, amazing things will happen. The “naughty kids” become engaged learners, the “advanced kids” quickly become fired up to do more, and the “average kids” become risk takers that follow pathways I never even thought of! I fight fewer battles over power when I give the power to my students.
Students tend to act more responsibly when teachers trust them. When they feel ownership they take better care of managing and maintaining materials. Students are no longer fighting the system but making it work for them. Making choices is not an easy task and learning how to do this requires research, discussions, and reflection.
I teach my students that there is a process for this and we must do the work for the experience to be fantastic. They learn that the more they put into the process of decision making, the richer the experience is. When I empower my students with choice they become what I always wanted them to be, life-long learners!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Crispell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
