At the end of last school year, my 3rd graders discussed how they would describe our classroom. These were their thoughts: "Our class' personality is kind, imaginative, hardworking, colorful, and artistic. We are readers who are excited about learning and kids who encourage each other. This year, we have become smarter and kinder, and are inspired. Our room is calm, happy, soothing and exciting all at once!" I jotted down their observations, my teacher heart celebrating all that makes my kids insightful people whose big thoughts have big hearts to match.
One student said the most important thing she's learned this year is that "it doesn't matter who you are- what matters is that you are valued, valuable and loved."
My deepest hope is that my incoming 3rd graders will quickly come to know that what matters most in my classroom is becoming people of strong character. The most rewarding part of my job is watching my students grow up into just those types of boys and girls, right before my eyes.
My Project
Picture this: One morning, you walk into my room to find my students sitting at the carpet. You notice a colorful focus board with learning targets like, "I can manage frustration" and "I can treat others with kindness." The wall the students sit along is covered with their work exploring topics like empathy and regulating anger. At the back of the room is a Calm Corner where a student is practicing some strategies we've been learning to reset when we're upset.
Most likely, though, your focus will be on 23 faces, their eyes zeroed in on the book in my hands and ears trained on the words they need to hear most: "I Am Enough," is the title on the cover.
This year, I will be teaching my students short Social and Emotional Learning lessons each morning all designed to help them recognize and manage their emotions and become empathetic people who care about their community. The curriculum I purchased incorporates the use of specific picture books in the lessons. This collection includes the books for Unit 2: Self-Management and Unit 3: Social Awareness. We will be covering topics like self-control, setting goals, kindness, and embracing differences. It is so important that our students be taught how to become kids of character. I can't wait to be a part of that process, and I love the fact that DonorsChoose.org makes it possible for you to be part of the process, too!
Stand in My Shoes: Kids Learning About Empathy
• Amazon Business
$14.95
1
$14.95
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
• Amazon Business
$13.46
1
$13.46
Walk On!: A Guide for Babies of All Ages
• Amazon Business
$13.14
1
$13.14
B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings
• Amazon Business
$11.69
1
$11.69
Listening to My Body: A guide to helping kids understand the connection between their sensations (what the heck are those?) and feelings so that they can get better at figuring out what they need.
• Amazon Business
$11.66
1
$11.66
It's Okay To Be Different
• Amazon Business
$10.98
1
$10.98
I Can Handle It (Mindful Mantras)
• Amazon Business
$10.84
1
$10.84
I Am Enough
• Amazon Business
$10.43
1
$10.43
The Invisible Boy
• Amazon Business
$10.30
1
$10.30
Courage
• Amazon Business
$10.00
1
$10.00
The Skin You Live In
• Amazon Business
$9.95
1
$9.95
My Mouth Is A Volcano
• Amazon Business
$9.95
1
$9.95
Be Kind
• Amazon Business
$9.90
1
$9.90
But It's Not My Fault! (Responsible Me!)
• Amazon Business
$9.51
1
$9.51
I Am Yoga
• Amazon Business
$8.41
1
$8.41
Materials cost
$180.46
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$15.79
3rd party payment processing fee
$2.71
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$228.96
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$40.40
Total project goal
$269.36
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$269.36
1 Donor
-$135.00
Donations toward project cost
-$114.75
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$20.25
match offer
-$134.36
Match offer toward project cost
-$114.21
Match offer 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. Skellie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.