I love instilling creativity into the minds and hearts of the children I teach. In fact, teaching in an arts school fosters this passion but it is publicly funded and does not receive Title I funds even though the children are very diverse. I have English language learners, students with disabilities, gifted and talented children, and children from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds. The community, parents, and children in the school are incredible and a joy to work with and share ideas within the classroom. I have been able to build programs, stretch minds, and grow hearts over the last twenty years. It is time to embark on another fantastic creative journey!
My Project
Learning through the arts increases student achievement. In fact, it is our school's mission statement. This year more than ever, the need to give children artistic outlets every day is vitally important. COVID-19 has taken so many things from the classroom experience; one of the biggest things is the ability to collaborate and the ability to share materials. Each child needs their own supplies and ways to create using individual materials. Children need their own paints, modeling clay, canvas, oil pastels, acrylic, yarn, pipe cleaners, puppets, …)
Giving students individual bags filled with materials to foster learning through the arts in the classroom will foster meaningful and creative opportunities for my children.
Since we are an arts school, giving students a creative outlet to express and demonstrate what they are learning in other ways is critical. I have been preparing lessons that are as creative as possible but it is hard to provide individual materials for each and every lesson. If each child had their own creative materials bag that could travel back and forth with them it would allow for many more projects to be completed.
Art in all forms can have many positive effects. Infusing it in the classroom in difficult times also will have a positive effect and this grant will make that possible.
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. Norwood and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
