Learning Outdoors, Relaxing Our Bodies to Focus Our Minds!
My students need experiences in nature and flexible seating! The hammock chairs, carabiners, and slacklines will let us take our learning outdoors, and the beanbag filling will allow for continued use of comfortable indoor seating.
My students are amazing! Our school is an urban, public alternative school designed for kids who have not found success in traditional classrooms. Even though they have a history of academic struggles, they have unbounded enthusiasm and curiosity that shines through in the classroom!
One of the most inspirational things about my students is their ability to show up and meet the challenges of a school day, despite a host of challenges that many face outside of school.
Most students at my school qualify for free or reduced-cost school meals and have very limited financial resources. Many come from difficult situations at home, including homelessness or parents or siblings who are incarcerated. Some students have a history of health problems, while others move frequently and have switched schools multiple times.
Despite so many challenges, my students are still excited about learning and eager for meaningful experiences!
My Project
Reasearch suggests a link between decreased experiences in the natural world, and an increase in learning difficulties. I want to maximize my students' opportunities by taking our learning experiences to the natural area surrounding our school. We already garden, listen to podcasts while hiking a wooded trail, and camp with an "Outdoor Skills" elective, and now I want an outdoor classroom! These hammock chairs will allow us to complete assignments, journal, hold class discussions, and so much more, all while immersed in the restorative environment of the natural world!
In his book, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder, Richard Louv writes, “An environment-based education movement--at all levels of education--will help students realize that school isn't supposed to be a polite form of incarceration, but a portal to the wider world.” This is my goal as a teacher - to open windows of opportunity and to foster not only a love of learning, but a respect and sense of responsibility for the natural world.
Beyond these goals, though, I hope to comfort, calm, and inspire my students. Many of my students have an environment that is limited to the indoors and urban settings. I want them to have a chance to be kids in the woods. I want them to hear the sounds of the forest while they learn. I want them to feel the Earth under their feet, the breeze in their hair, and the sunshine on their faces.
"If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, let us allow them to love the earth before we ask them to save it."
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
Sorbus Hanging Rope Hammock Chair Swing Seat for Any Indoor or Outdoor Spaces
• Amazon Business
$28.99
9
$260.91
Trailblaze Slackline Kit with Tree Protectors + Carry Bag | Kids Slack Line for Healthy Outdoor Fun | 50 feet Easy Set-up Slacklines | Complete Set for Family Adults Children
• Amazon Business
$29.95
3
$89.85
Big Joe Comfort Research UltimaX Bean Bags Refill Pack of 2, 100 L
• Amazon Business
$31.60
2
$63.20
STURME 9 PCS Aluminum D Ring Locking Carabiner Clip D Shape Super Strong and Light Large Carabiner Keychain Clip for Outdoor Camping Key Chain Heavy Duty Lock Hooks Spring Link Newly Improved Design
• Amazon Business
$8.99
1
$8.99
Materials cost
$422.95
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$32.99
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.34
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$492.28
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$86.87
Total project goal
$579.15
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$579.15
3 Donors
-$579.15
Donations toward project cost
-$492.28
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. Campbell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
