Although the years go by, my classroom continually reflects the consistent needs of 4th graders. Nearly half of my students receive free/reduced-price lunches. They are eager to please, yet know how to have fun. My students are my kids.
Our school is located in a severely economically depressed section of central Pennsylvania.
Given these limitations, our student body has consistently displayed itself as being a diamond in the rough. We perform at a supremely high level and were voted the best school district by our region's newspaper.
STEM education at our building is alive and growing. We aren't all talk when it comes to STEM, we put some sweat on it too.
My Project
I feel this project is important for two reasons. First of all, my students deserve it. As a former Wildlife Biologist turned teacher, I have been trained on the changes occurring in our backyards. I try to share as many of my personal experiences with my students in the class, but let's be frank, they should become their personal experiences too. This project will also add more equipment to my class to help my sensory-seeking kids to get more input. Sensory-seeking kids often get overshadowed by the "regulated" kids because the sensory-child requires more work. In my classroom, I strive to have each child feel like they are being heard and are safe. If a child does not feel safe and secure, then the frontal lobe area of their brain is shut off and learning cannot happen. The requested pump along with the river animal and plant aquarium sets will provide auditory, visual, and tactile input for all students, but benefit the sensory-child greatly.
These materials will be used to refurbish and replenish materials in two ongoing projects that have been highly fruitful for the students' learning and character building.
Additionally, these projects are enjoyed not only by my immediate classroom, but all of the students in the grade level.
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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 Mr. Tkacik and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
