A dozen students sit or lay around my 350 square foot classroom working on their individual math lessons. Working from three different text books, all at their own pace, and in their own style. I hope to see them all surpass their individual goals, and do so in a comfortable learning environment.
"The United Nations", is usually what I tell people who ask about the demographics of my school.
Over 20 languages and every continent (except Antarctica) is represented. It's the urban version of an International or America School abroad. We are a public school in a major city, and have high achieving students. I work with a unique population of at risk students in this school community. Eighty-five percent of my students speak English as their second language, and 100% of them receive free or reduced lunch. All of them are non-traditional learners. They each have an Individualized Education Plan that guides their learning and my teaching. We accomplish a great deal with very limited resources and space.
My Project
Currently, our 350 square foot space has two carpets, a table for small groups, and a whole lot of mismatched storage and furniture. The students find corners, and table space when they need to work, but have to shuffle their bodies and books around to move throughout the classroom. Originally, the classroom was a small computer lab, so there is no storage, shelving units, or cabinets.
My students would be able to work more efficiently with some simple storage shelves, and a clean, new magnetic white board to work from.
The majority of my students have attention and sensory disorders and have a hard time focusing with the amount of clutter and materials open to their view. With the new storage shelves and white board, we could eliminate the miss matched furniture and create a relaxing and simple working environment for them.
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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. Downing and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.