Do you remember the feel of being outside, laughing and shooting hoops with your friends? At my school we make time for recess, knowing the importance of play. Team sports are important to learning how to play and interact appropriately. However, at the moment we don't have a basketball hoop.
My students live in one of Chicago's poorest, toughest, and most violent neighborhoods.
Students play inside instead of outside because their parents fear the chance of violence in their neighborhood. At my school we make time for our students to play outside, with recess each day. In today's world schools are banning recess to focus more on teaching. However, we know how important play is to ensuring students can learn. When students are given time to interact with their peers and work together they develop the skills we value most in our citizens of today's world.
My Project
This basketball hoop isn't just another "toy" at recess. It is an opportunity for students to work together. Learning to share through rebounding, releasing energy through running and shooting, and building a life long hobby. Through play our students will not only achieve more academically, but our students will learn about themselves and others in the process. This basketball hoop is a memory maker. Our students will remember the days on the playground shooting hoops with their friends in the hot sun. They will most definitely write poems and stories about their experience with the hoop. Not to mention, our new basketball hoop will get our students moving during recess. Exercising while having fun!
When you grow up in a world where playing outside is almost never an option, things like a basketball hoop and a safe place to play each day is important.
You are not only giving these students an outlet for their energy, but you are giving them a sense of security.
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
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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. Iehl and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
