There isn’t a day where I am not motivated or inspired by my 6th grade students. Teaching middle school students has presented some of the greatest surprises of my career. My students are outstanding in so many different aspects. They are embracing a new found independence in middle school along with the extra responsibilities. My favorite aspect of their personality it that they can start reasoning like adults without being cynical.
These students have an incomparable level of enthusiasm that pushes them to new knowledge, ideas, and levels of thinking.
Their level of courage allows them to try new experiences without the fear of failure. They are willing to take themselves and push each other to the next level when they engage in critically discussing and analyzing new ideas while keeping an open mind and positive attitude about the experience. It is always so exciting to see how much progress they make and I aim to guide them in every way possible to get the most out of their middle school experience!
My Project
These materials will make my student's vision become a reality. There are approximately 45 students that stay after school once a week to create pixel art with Perler Beads. Students are using mathematics, engineering, design and communications skills in a creative way. They began by searching for designs online and following patterns. From there, it quickly turned into creating more complex designs that even include 3D projects. This group appreciates last year's pixel art mascot mural posted in the main entrance of our school. So, they have decided to create a mural of their own.
This year, our neighboring school suffered from a terrible fire.
Most of the students in our Perler Bead Club attended that same school just last year. These students feel inclined to create a personalized mascot mural for our neighboring school as a welcome back gift. They put their design into the computer program, looked at what materials they will need, and created a procedure for the design process. They shopped for the materials online including: more templates, tweezers and beads to make their dreams a reality. My students want to show the school how simple beads and technology can create a work of art while supporting school spirit.
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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 Mrs. Curran and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.