I am a special area teacher in an elementary school so I see all students from kindergarten through fifth grade. My school is part of an exciting initiative (the compassionate schools project) which teaches students social, emotional, and physical skills that promote resiliency, empathy, and conflict resolution strategies. I believe in this curriculum and am so grateful I get to be a part of it.
My students are curious, innovative thinkers, full of energy and a love of learning, and their creativity astounds me.
I would love to be able to provide them with more educational opportunities, including more project-based learning options to engage them and get them thinking on higher levels. Some students struggle with poverty and other issues that create barriers to learning, but I believe every student can be successful with the right resources and help from the community.
My Project
I attended a PD on the benefits of mindful drumming and making music with students. Studies show that the consistency and stability of rhythm is able to alleviate stress and relax the mind. Rhythm provides the opportunity for awareness in a way that one can truly connect with. Music alleviates isolation and alienation, and helps to connect the mind to the sounds- as well as creates an opportunity for students to connect to each other. Using rhythm as a way into the present moment, we experience many of the same benefits as meditation: an increase in positive emotions, social connectedness and mindful awareness, and a reduction of anxiety, depression, fatigue, and overall negative moods.
Music improves brain power (including reading, math, and emotional development), increases memory, decreases stress, builds confidence, inspires creativity, develops social skills, and gives students an opportunity to express themselves and connect with others.
I intend to start incorporating music into my lessons and maybe even after-school activities to engage students in the learning and growing process. Students of all backgrounds can benefit from this, especially those who struggle with academic, social, and/or behavioral challenges. My goal is to create a closer community of learners by working together to create music to combat bullying issues, and to give students an opportunity to express themselves and build their confidence. Many students also suffer from anxiety and stress and music is a therapeutic way to cope with those issues so they can achieve success.
Remo KD-5080-01 Kids Percussion Floor Tom Drum - Fabric Rain Forest, 10"
• Amazon Business
$39.00
1
$39.00
Remo RH3100-00 3-Piece Drum Set Multi-colored Rhythm Club Hand Drum Set, 6/8/10-Inch Diameters
• Amazon Business
$36.99
1
$36.99
KHS America HOHZ560312 Rhythm Stick, Pairs (Pack of 12)
• Amazon Business
$29.99
1
$29.99
YoleShy 20 Pcs Jingle Bells Ankle Band, Wrist Bells Band Instrument for Kids - Percussion Musical Rhythm Toys (10 Colors)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
1
$17.99
20 Pack 5" Wooden Mini Maracas, Assorted Designs, Perfect maracas for kids, Great party favor
• Amazon Business
$16.95
1
$16.95
5.5" Neon Tambourines Set of 4, Colorful Party Favors, Party Instruments, Noisemaker Birthday Party Supplies, - for Mexican Fiesta, Pool Parties, Tambourines for Church, for Kids and Adults
• Amazon Business
$9.97
1
$9.97
Materials cost
$242.89
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.64
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$276.53
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$48.80
Total project goal
$325.33
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$325.33
1 Donor
-$162.66
Donations toward project cost
-$138.26
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$24.40
match offer
-$162.67
Match offer toward project cost
-$138.27
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. Hill and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.