Fifth graders amaze me as they work hard to learn, practice, and apply life-long skills. Yes, comprehending text, checking mathematical understandings, debating causes of the American Revolution, and testing ideas about natural phenomena are very important. I support my students’ journeys to acquire and hone these abilities - and I also stress the value of community.
Not only is my class composed of students with a wide range of academic abilities, but they also come from a wide variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, where some students are military dependents.
Therefore, a sense of community within our classroom is vital to encourage students to focus on problem-solving instead of the challenges involving cultural differences.
Having students work as a team in our own class garden requires students to research, plan, and experiment with a variety of techniques to grow plants. A class garden “levels the playing field,” so that all students can be successful growing life from a seed or nurturing seedlings into producing flowers and vegetables. Consequently, another gang of gardeners bond over their responsibilities. It’s not just watering!
My Project
These are challenging times, especially for children. Due to safety concerns, our school playground is currently off limits, even during recess breaks. As you can imagine, it is almost heart-breaking watching students sitting around looking bored during recess. Please support my efforts to find ways to allow my students to have enjoyable, yet safe breaks during the school day. My fifth graders deserve a breather from both our rigorous academic curricula and behavior expectations.
Unfortunately, our current recess area does not allow much physical activity for 30 students.
Luckily, we do have a class garden that one group of students can work in during recess. We desperately are in need of other safe, yet entertaining equipment to use during well-earned breaks. Jump ropes will offer another way for students to spend a more active recess while still complying with safety standards.
Children can still have fun and behave safely during a pandemic.
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ― Fred Rogers
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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. Belen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
