Our schools was hit by a tornado 2 years ago. Our state has been in fiscal crisis for several years now and we have had numerous budget cuts. We are ranked 50th in the nation with regard to teacher pay and student funding. Our class size has increased and budgets have decreased. There is no money to purchase supplies or replace broken items that wear out. My students need some blocks and a larger carpet for circle time.
I teach an AM class of 3-4-year-old special needs students.
My PM class is an inclusive class of 4-year-old students. I have 10 regular ed kids and up to 5 special ed kids.
My class is their first contact with school. I serve children diagnosed with autism, intellectual disabilities, and mild-moderate birth defects. We work on learning our letters, colors, shapes, and numbers in addition to receiving OT/PT and Speech Therapy. My students always try very hard to achieve to the best of their abilities. My school is a Title 1 school with over 72% of our students receiving free/reduced lunch. Several of my students participate in the backpack program and receive free food each weekend.
My Project
My students are in need of of more sitting room. With the increase in class sizes due to budget cuts, I do not have enough room for all my students to sit on the carpet during group time. This leads to daily fighting because no one wants to sit on the floor directly.
We also need blocks for building.
Building with blocks is essential for early learning as it encourages children's creativity. Plus, as children design and build, they practice problem solving, develop perception skills, and explore basic math & science. We have a small set of little blocks in our class currently but these do not allow kids to stack or build any type of structures.
I am also requesting a set of community workers because no city or town is complete without them! From a police officer with a badge & cuffs to a scientist with goggles & a beaker, the block play figures represent a variety of occupations, ages & ethnicities. These figures help bring to life the cities and towns that kids build.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Bottoms and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.