This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Like many urban youth, Pen 2 Paper participants have experienced various trauma.
Each has a common story of drowning underneath circumstances that they did not create. Various stressors – ranging from internal (broken family structure) to external (community violence) can wreak havoc on a student’s academic performance and manifest in destructive behavior. Pen 2 Paper will address these unresolved social issues.
Pen 2 Pad is an afterschool writing program (4-8 grades) which focuses on the therapeutic value of expressive writing. The immediate impact of expressive writing is usually a short-term increase in distress, negative mood and physical symptoms, and a decrease in positive mood compared with controls.
My Project
Each student will receive a journal and "writer's pen". These utensils will be dedicated for their expressive writing activities. They will become the instruments in which students are freed from the bondage of trauma and dismay. Students will be given writing prompts that promote detailed exploration. This exploration will serve as a release of pain, stress, and heartache. Confronting a trauma through talking or writing about it and acknowledging the associated emotions is thought to reduce the physiological work of inhibition, gradually lowering the overall stress on the body. Students will also participate in various brainstorming activities which are best suited for the dry erase boards.
XIDUOBAO A5 Size PU Leather Colorful Writing Journal Diary Notebook Daily Notepad Cute Travel Journal to Write in with Lined Paper (Set of 8, Random Color)
• Amazon Business
$39.69
1
$39.69
ARTEZA Dry Erase Markers, Bulk Pack of 52 (with Chisel Tip), 4 Assorted Colors with Low-Odor Ink, Whiteboard Pens is Perfect for School, Office, or Home
• Amazon Business
$29.90
1
$29.90
50 Chisel Tip Highlighters Markers Bulk Assorted Colors, Tank and Pen Type Combo, Bonus Sticky Index Tabs, 5 Vivid Fluorescent Colors for Office, School, Home, Students, Teachers, Bible Study
• Amazon Business
$18.25
1
$18.25
Dry Erase Boards [12pc Double Sided] Lapboards with ClearWipe Coating! Small White Boards - 9" x 12" Mini White Boards for Students, Classroom Teacher Supplies
• Amazon Business
$15.95
1
$15.95
BIC Gel-ocity Original Retractable Gel Pen, Medium Point (0.7 mm), Blue, 12-Count
• Amazon Business
$7.48
2
$14.96
Gel Pens Colored - Gel Pen for Kids - Coloring Gel Pens for Adult Coloring Books, 24 Color Drawing Pens with Extra 24 Refills for Office Art Suppliers
• Amazon Business
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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. Sykes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.