This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
My middle- and high-school students absolutely cannot write anything legible by hand, which is a dangerous disadvantage. Though highly motivated English learners, most arrived in America past the age at which handwriting and cursive are taught, and as a result never had a chance to learn the skills.
Every human being should be able to communicate in writing, but these very nice kids are unable to take notes for themselves, or anyone else.
They cannot take notes in a doctor's office when translating for their parents, are unable to write down street directions, or even pass a romantic note in class to a special someone. There are thousands of reasons to jot down a message, but all of them are beyond these kids.
It's fashionable to say kids don't need penmanship skills in the information age, but those devices aren't universally available. At our school, computers and mobile devices that would make up the difference are held in reserve for standardized testing.
Every human being should be able to communicate in writing.
My Project
What's so bad about bad penmanship for middle- and high-school students?
The biggest problem is that teenagers are humiliated going back to learn the same skills that others learned in first grade. They need basic tools to build eye-hand coordination, finger strength, and a sense that writing is artful. Which is why they need Spirograph.
Spirograph is not just a toy for making beautiful swirls with plastic wheels! It is a great learning tool that helps students build confidence with a pen, and muscle-control suitable for writing. Spirograph provides instant gratification as students are learning to hold the tools of writing, and a rewarding way to learn the fundamentals of putting ink on paper.
Spirograph is one of many tools I need to help my English learners ease into the world of handwriting, cursive, and penmanship.
Your support will provide strength, encouragement, and beauty to discouraged teenagers who are gradually learning the tools of literacy.
Your gift will help ensure that these students enjoy the basic human right of being able to write by hand.
Nearly all 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. Leserman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
