My students need healthy snacks to fuel their brains to improve their reading - pretzels, granola bars and apple juice to replace their sodas, candy and chips.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Werner's classroom raised $351
This project is fully funded
My Students
I have instituted a point system for my special education students that has them earning for positive behavior and gains in their reading. My students tend to eat candy, chips, and soda. I am encouraging them to use their points to buy healthy snacks that I provide in order to fuel their brains.
I have about 50 students spread across four reading classes.
My students are under-achieving, yet bright and eager to learn. This is the most motivated bunch of kids that I've had the privilege to work with. Historically, they report hating to read, yet they are laughing and engaged as we read plays out loud, as they work through their computerized reading program, and during intense yet respectful discussions using our class created community ball. Students are eager to contribute and to grow and to develop into competent readers. In our school, being "pono" or doing the right thing is really emphasized. The students are encouraged to do random acts of kindness and to include all students. I see my students as loving, sharing, and willing to work for the common good.
My Project
Currently, I am funding a "pilot" project myself, having the students earn participation points, and then cash them in for healthy snacks and small privileges. The kids love it. They are eager to see how many points they have earned and are motivated to turn in work and complete levels for their reading program. I've seen a decrease in the amount of junk food consumed and students who refuse to buy lunch are now eating oranges and string cheese by using their points. Their energy and ability to learn is greatly enhanced. I believe good food is key to their success. The addition of more choices such as granola bars, bottled water, and juice, as well as pretzels and popcorn will help keep students motivated and engaged to learn and earn points.
My students are having fun earning points and then deciding how best to spend those points.
Since I can't maintain funding it, the addition of these resources will keep this project alive for the rest of the year. Some students do not eat breakfast and then skip lunch. By using their points, they can hydrate and fill their bellies with food that will fuel their minds. I believe this type of project will improve my students' health, and their reading scores will raise dramatically as a result.
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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. Werner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
