Independent Living Skills are an invaluable resource for any student. But special needs students require explicit instruction and training in how to function independently in today's society. An essential life skill is being able to cook sensible and affordable meals.
I have the pleasure of serving a population of students whose cognitive abilities prevent them from participating in the general education curriculum.
They are more holistically assessed through portfolio assessments and are not required to take state exams. They are what some people classify as "low functioning." However, they are high-spirited and eager to learn. It simply requires an additional level of commitment to best educate them.
I am responsible for not only teaching my students academic skills, but also life skills. Let's face it, the ability to feed a family on a fixed income can be challenging. My students need basic skills in choosing and preparing healthy meals.
My Project
The resources that I am requesting are a mini-fridge, microwave, convection oven, slow cooker, rice cooker, hot plate and kettle. I am my kids' primary instructor and have them for five class periods a day. These resources would allow me to teach in a cross-disciplinary and hands-on way which will build math skills, reading skills, and life skills. I'd be able to demonstrate and have my students independently create meals right inside our classroom, incorporating skills from various subjects!
We are fortunate enough to have a separate location in our classroom that can serve as our "kitchen." The possibilities are endless in terms of the creative and engaging lessons that can be planned if we have adequate resources. I am excited about offering them a well-round education in life skills and nutrition.
My project is important because students with special needs are capable individuals who can live independently and positively contribute to their society if they are well-prepared and taught to be autonomous.
After almost a decade of teaching students who require explicit instruction in how to live independently, it has become very apparent to me that independently being able to prepare a nutritious meal for oneself and/or family is an essential life skill to possess.
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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 Ms. Willie-Lawes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.