Bozhoo! That is hello in Ojibwe. I teach first-grade students in a school that is located on a Native American reservation. Many of my students come from generational poverty, and this can bring trauma. I do my best to create a classroom family where each child feels safe, successful, and loved.
My students start each day eager to learn, create, and explore.
First graders often come to school brimming over with enthusiasm and excitement for learning, life, friends, and interests. This is an age commonly marked by tremendous growth, lost teeth, great emotional highs, and less frequently some lows. First graders make big plans, jump into projects with both feet, work at a fast pace, and don't want to miss a thing.
My first graders are ready to learn and are like sponges soaking in everything. They are energetic, kind, and I am so grateful to be a part of their life at such a vital time in their lives.
My Project
In just a few weeks we may be asking our students at my elementary school to come back into our classrooms. This is great news; however, this requires me to make sure I have a classroom that is safe for my students. To do this, I will probably have to purchase a lot of supplies on my own.
During these times, I want to make sure my students coming back feel safe to be in school and are happy to be there.
To have individual storage areas will be one of the many safety precautions I can take to make this happen. A storage area makes it possible to hold collections of materials in a specific spot for each child, which is hard to do in a classroom of 22 first graders.
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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. Alto and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.