I teach a roomful of energetic kindergarteners who learn best from authentic and hands-on experiences. I have 22 students (9 boys and 13 girls) with varied levels of ability.
My students will make lifelong connections learning about animals by observing animals and their amazing transformations. However, these items are not currently part of our classroom budget. It would be so much more authentic if my students could actually experience what they are learning through books.
My students need ladybug larvae, tadpoles, caterpillars and praying mantis eggs to experience the wonders of the world and to learn their needs and how these creatures can or cannot benefit our classroom garden and environment. While reading about the life cycle of different animals, the students will be able to observe how the ladybugs in the Ladybug Land change from larvae to pupae to ladybug. Students will learn how ladybugs help farmers. Once our ladybugs have emerged, we will release the ladybugs into our class garden to help control garden pest. Our praying mantis egg and pavilion will allow students to get a better understanding of these unusual insects. Students will be amazed at how many babies will emerge from 1 egg case. Students will observe these insects before releasing them into our class garden. The Butterfly Pavilion will allow students to see how quickly caterpillars grow and observe how they transform into a pupae and then emerge as butterflies. We will select plants for our garden to attract butterflies and host their eggs. The frog habitat will allow students to see how a frog slowly transforms. Students will record their observations in a Going Buggy Journal.
Your help will ensure that my students get a first hand look at these creatures which will support what we are reading and researching in the classroom. It will enable my students to enjoy learning and spark a love for science. Finally, your support will allow students to see that small creatures have a bigger job and how they are important to our environment.
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. Dawson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.