Although many of my students face far more challenges outside of school than any fourth grader should, I strive to ensure all of my students know my classroom is a safe place where they are able to express their feelings and share things that are happening in their life with myself or our school counselor. As a result of limited incomes of the families, approximately 86% of our students are on free or reduced lunch. I have heard many stories about not having basic needs met, about family members being ill and in the hospital, and other issues that impede their learning.
"I want to play outside" a student wrote in their journal to me one day.
The sad reality is many of my students are not able to play outside as their families feel the neighborhood is not safe enough to let their children be outside without an adult. It is important for children to be exposed to natural light. I have also heard about students not feeling well and having headaches.
My Project
Fluorescent lights are a staple in classrooms, but their harsh glare and flickering light can cause eyestrain, headaches, and anxiety in my students. My classroom has a few small windows, but not nearly enough to have much natural light in the classroom. I want to cover my classroom fluorescent lights with fabric panels that fit over standard ceiling fixtures with sturdy, sewn-in magnets. They are heat-resistant panels in Tranquil Blue.
One way to imrpove the learning of all students is to have natural light in the classroom.
Although I do have a window in my class, it does not provide natural light for my class. The fluorescent lighting is hard on my students eyes. It also causes other side effects such as inability to focus (partricularly in students with processing disorders such as ADHD and Autism) and anxiety. By having filters over the fluorscent lights I will be providing more of a natural light for students so they will be able to focus more on their 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. F. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.