I am a PE teacher in a Title I school and lucky enough to teach middle school kids. I find it easy to bond with them because I am a kid-at-heart. Developing a relationship with each kid is the number one necessity for success. When I bring in humor and understanding, it shows these kids that I am more than just their teacher. I am like them in many ways.
Because Arizona does not prioritize education, schools have to rely on outside sources for funding, including new equipment for PE.
It is frustrating that teachers have not had a budget for supplies in over 10 years. In fact, the only donors we are allowed to receive donations from is DonorsChoose.
Our kids have benefited from DonorsChoose immensely. The new equipment that we have gotten has been a sense of pride for them. Being a Title I School, we don't reflect that in the PE department. We have new balls for different sports and plenty of them so kids can practice with their own ball, instead of waiting.
My Project
The Spark Middle School Curriculum Sets were recommended to me by a prior PE teacher who used Spark Physical Education. I have spent a lot of money on "Teachers Pay Teachers" for units but it can't compare to Spark. I will have access to online lessons that focus on fitness and nutrition with circuit videos, tools for goal setting, and more. In addition, it includes 15 i units with all the materials included, such as daily lesson plans, hundreds of activities, assessments, skill cards, music and access to online videos. All printed materials are also included. This is basically a dream come true for a PE teachers, like me!
The kids will benefit because the curriculum focuses on an increase in student participation (especially a challenge for middle school girls!), and activity time, all focusing on learning first, and activity second.
The other advantage to this program is that it is organized. That is a skill I struggle with! Having music with the curriculum is always a plus for middle school kids. It seems even the reluctant kids can't help moving to good music.
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 Coach Watts and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
