This project will serve a group of elementary aged students who are destined to have huge impacts on the world. Although 80% of them live in poverty, and more than 60% are English language learners, they are hard workers who only wish to achieve, and one day leave their footprint on the world. Many of these young boys and girls are overcoming the language barriers of learning a second language, many of whom are separated from their families who live thousands of miles away. Some live just down the street, but need and deserve the enrichment that real-world projects can provide.
My Project
My students are faced with so many challenges adjusting to American public education. Some of them have never even been to school before, or have attended inconsistently, even though they may come to us in second, third, or fourth grades. Rigorous standards have increased demands for critical thinking. These high expectations will certainly prepare them for the future, but right now, they are so bogged down cognitively that other traits are beginning to take hold. Stress negatively impacts the learning of children, decreases academic progress, and increases a child's risk for behavioral problems. Using the Play-Doh during learning will provide an outlet for students to express themselves as they mold and manipulate- a therapeutic way of addressing the stressful load they come to me with. For these reasons, I am asking for several cans of Play-Doh and different texture tools that students will be able to use to manipulate the dough. Additionally, I have requested a few sets which include mats that lead students to build patterns, measure, count, and match different shapes. They will be stored in the tub I have also requested.
The variety of Play-Doh and tools obtained through this project will serve as a hands-on therapeutic outlet to ease the stress of the rigorous academic load in the twenty-first century classroom.
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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. Crane and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.