"I am on my mountain in a tree home that people have passed without ever knowing that I am here. The house is a hemlock tree six feet in diameter, and must be as old as the mountain itself." So says Sam, in Jean Craighead George's novel, My Side of the Mountain. Powerful opening lines for any reader to be sure. But to find yourself immersed in Sam's forest home, and to do so while you yourself are surrounded by tall trees, fresh air, bird song, and the smell of pine, is an experience no student could easily forget. Sam's delights at being in nature, become our students' delights as well.
On average, our students will spend over 70 hours of academic time outside throughout the school year.
Amazingly, this does not include recess!--rather, all outdoor academics is connected to standards-based learning, health and wellness, etc. We strongly believe that in order for students to appreciate nature, they must spend time IN nature. We are always looking for creative and innovative solutions to the challenges that are sometimes faced when learning outside. One challenge is students who may not be used to being outside (especially younger students), who find that sitting on the ground is not only uncomfortable for them, but can be off-putting so that they are unable to learn. By providing hammocks for our students, we allow them to concentrate without distraction. On top of that, the hammocks will allow classes to go further out from our school buildings, into the surrounding forests, and to truly immerse themselves in nature, to better understand and appreciate what they are reading. To read about the oak tree is one thing, to read about it while sitting in the shade of its branches, is quite another.
More than half of 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
Kootek Camping Hammock Double & Single Portable Hammocks with 2 Tree Straps, Lightweight Nylon Parachute Hammocks for Backpacking, Travel, Beach, Backyard, Patio, Hiking
• Amazon Business
$21.84
20
$436.80
Materials cost
$436.80
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.55
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$473.35
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$83.53
Total project goal
$556.88
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$556.88
1 Donor
-$556.88
Donations toward project cost
-$473.35
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Stephanie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
