Do you remember the first time you kicked a home run in kickball, or scored your first goal in soccer, or were the last one left in a game of dodge ball? I try to give my students these self-affirming experiences with exercise, but it's hard when I don't have the right supplies.
I teach third grade students at a public elementary school.
25 of my 26 students are English language learners and the majority of my students are either first or second generation immigrants. Despite their parents working long hours, many of them come from low-income families. Paying for after school sports programs is a struggle for most of my families, so the only place they have to play organized athletic games is school.
My Project
I am responsible for teaching physical education, but I don't have the supplies. All P.E. supplies I have, I bought with my own money. Sometimes I am able to borrow supplies from other teachers to play more advanced games, but if their class is already using them, my class is out of luck.
By having physical education supplies dedicated to my classroom, I will always have what I need to lead physical education. My students are excellent runners and love playing variations of tag. The flag football belts will allow me to teach them more games. The dodge balls will allow us to play non-aggressive dodge ball games that my students have recently discovered and greatly enjoy. The recess pack can be used during physical education. My students can also use these supplies during recess to practice playing games they have learned during physical education.
We all know how important it is to teach students to be physically active everyday.
It is important for their bodies and their minds. It is especially important for students from low-income areas because they are more likely to eat fast food and be overweight.
Through physical education, I hope to teach my students that exercise is fun, that they can be winners, and that teamwork is integral to success. Please help me continue this mission by donating to buy the supplies we need.
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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 Ms. Aulwurm and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.