This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
The culture of childhood that played outdoors is gone, and childrens' everyday lives have definitely shifted indoors. This is especially true in the city mainly because of "the culture of fear" in urban areas. That is why I try to expose my students to the natural world but I need some help.
I teach Pre-K to 18 wonderful children in the Bronx.
Most of the children come from low socio-economic backgrounds and many are second language learners. In our school, 100% of the students receive free lunch. We are a large, urban school in New York City and many of the children come from families who are struggling financially. Our families value education and are excited when they see their children learning and being exposed to new things. I have noticed that many students who are coming to school for the first time, do not have a lot of prior knowledge when it comes to nature. Media, visual images, written language, are all important but so is the natural world. Little by little, we are all becoming disconnected from the natural world and are becoming estranged from our natural origins. The Queens County Farm is a beautiful place right in the middle of our city. The children will love visiting the farm and will love meeting the animals and will even make "real" butter.
My Project
The farm we would like to visit includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse, farm animals, farm vehicles and implements, planting fields, an orchard, a herb garden and a vineyard. The farm animals and tranquil environment will provide the opportunity to leave the hectic daily pace behind for an enjoyable visit to a farm. We will take an outdoor tour and have many exciting hands-on activities. The children will experience the many facets of farm life such as butter making. The children will also plant a portable garden and take a hayride through beautiful nature trails. Until recent history, children grew up with intimate contact with nature. My students in New York City have few opportunities for outdoor experiences and cannot explore nature. In a way, I consider this a type of "childhood imprisonment." As a mother, I always felt it was important for my children to be exposed to nature. I would like to do the same for my preschoolers.
I am so excited when I can bring "nature" into the lives of the four year olds in my care.
I believe a love of nature will grow out of my students' regular contact with the natural world. Children are born with "nature" based instincts. I have yet to meet a child who was not interested in living things and nature. Please consider funding us, the children will have a wonderful, memorable experience.
Nearly all 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
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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. Kelly and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
