I try to foster a learning environment where my students value hard work and are praised for their efforts. I want my students to know that hard work always pays off. It is important for them to take ownership of their learning, and these portfolios help them do that.
To say we live in "small town USA" would be an understatement.
We have a total of two stoplights, three fast food restaurants, and one small elementary school. We love our small town and wouldn't change a thing. We are a community that supports, respects, and serves one another. Parents are very supportive of their children's education, but because we live in high poverty area, they are not always able to help with supplies in the classroom.
My Project
I am asking for 3-ring binders and sheet protectors. Each year my students receive a shiny new binder filled with sheet protectors. We call this these our "Portfolios." They get to decorate the outsides of their portfolios to make them their own. Students are encouraged to fill these with work they are most proud of. Students fill their portfolios with writing projects, awesome tests, and trackers that show students and parents the progress they've made in 2nd grade. It is always an exciting time when I pass back all their hard work and they get to put it in their portfolio. It's also awesome to see how excited they are to share their portfolios with their parents at Parent Teacher Conferences.
I feel these are such a valuable tool to help my students take ownership for their learning. It gives them a place to showcase their hard work and find value in what they've accomplished. My hope is that these portfolios will be a treasure for parents and students for years to come.
Students need to feel valued.
They need to know that their hard work is valued and appreciated. I tell my students that being a student is a full-time job. They need to work hard and develop habits that will help them be successful adults. These portfolios help promote hard work and help students share their hard work with those that matter most to them. My hope is that these will help my students be life-long learners and students that take ownership of their own learning.
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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. Orton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
