My students need a Native American social studies kit and a matching library set to provide meaningful, hands-on, and high interest activities. Students will use this kit and books to develop a deep understanding of other cultures, traditions, and ways of living. This topic is found in Missouri Show Me Standards and therefore in district grade level expectations.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
Make our future bright by giving us the past!
My classroom is somewhat unique in that is composed of both first and second grade students. This is due to the number of students enrolled, not school philosophy. This is my second consecutive year teaching a multi-age classroom, and my seventh year of teaching.
My students are faced daily with the challenges of living in a high poverty area. Stability in their homes and neighborhoods often is the exception rather than the rule. It is not uncommon for students to be living in one parent household or being raised by a family member, to have witnessed violence, to be living without one or more utilities, or to be caring for younger siblings. Some students may move several times during just one school year. For some, school is the one place they can count on for stability and security.
A multi-age classroom in a traditional school setting, as well as the poverty level, often presents a number of challenges.
My district's content area programs do not come with a variety of independent, inquiry based learning centers that span BOTH grade levels. Curriculum guides offer suggestions for each grade level, but not activities that can be used for both. It is critical for me to provide hands-on, high interest, and independent activities that ALL students can participate in. This is the only way a multi-age classroom can function effectively.
I have spent hundreds of hours trying to make, develop, or replicate learning centers that are already available for purchase. While I try my best, I simply can't keep up with the fast paced curriculum.
Donor's Choose has provided the means to solve many of the challenges both my students and I face. By purchasing ready-to-go, highly developed learning kits, I can focus on teaching and my students can focus on learning. This Native American kit is bright, colorful, and very inviting to even the most reluctant learner! Students can not only learn about Native Americans, but are also able to practice reading and writing skills in a fun, meaningful way. Who could ask for anything more?
Your generosity will make it possible for every child in my class to learn about Native Americans regardless of grade level since activities are designed for grades 1-3. The models included provide some real world, hands-on experience. The matching library books will reinforce what they are learning in a child friendly way. My students love books, but moan and complain when asked to get out a text book. Your help will have students asking, "Can I go to that activity?" or "Is it my turn yet?" instead of "Do I have to do that?"
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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. Schroder and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.