My students enter first grade with much excitement and enthusiasm. Over 75% of them are English language learners from low-income families, and 100% of students receive free and reduced-price lunches. Their parents have the highest expectations for their children to excel in school and encourage them to do well, but many lack the time or skills to personally help them academically. Many students struggle with school because they are also learning to speak English. Others have special needs that make learning more challenging. Because of their backgrounds, many struggle and come to school unprepared.
As their teacher, I must find strategies to motivate them to do their best so they can thrive and succeed.
First grade can be quite challenging as the students must learn concepts from all subject areas including reading, writing, and math. I try my best to ensure each and every one progresses and ultimately masters all first grade concepts while at the same time infusing the curriculum with fun activities!
My Project
I remember that, as a child, I always looked forward to school. In August, I would anxiously await the weekly ads from the neighborhood stores to see what school supplies were on sale. Then my mother and I would shop for things I needed for school. Even though we could not afford everything I wanted, my parents always scrimped and saved so we would have basic school supplies, which included a backpack every other year.
At the start of the new school year, I hope to give each of my students the same advantage I had as a child – something very basic that will help them stay organized and focused for school: a backpack.
I hope to provide them each with a good quality backpack that they can use not only in elementary school, but in middle school too. These backpacks will allow all my students to come to school equally prepared. Each school year, some of my students have backpacks and some don’t. Some are worn out from years of use as they are hand-me-downs from their siblings or cousins. Having a brand new backpack will excite students about attending school and will encourage them to do their best. Students can better focus on learning, and not on what they are lacking -- or on what the other students have. With your support and donations, my low income, inner-city students will have access to a school backpack that they can proudly wear and carry. As a result, they will be more motivated to succeed in school. They will be building an important foundation of skills that will help them reach higher academic success throughout their educational years, breaking the cycle of poverty and instilling a lifelong love of 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 Ms. Mak and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.