Music is math. Music is science. Music is history. But most importantly, music is expression! It is an excellent way for my students to express themselves as it provides a sort of therapy to those experiencing traumas outside of school. The music classroom helps to heal, motivate and encourage our students while providing opportunities to experience all aspects of music including playing instruments, attending concerts and dancing.
I teach at a Title I school serving students from Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade where all of our students qualify for free meals.
Some students receive special education services including occupational, physical, and speech therapy, as well as Title I pull-out services for extra help with reading and math. Our school also has a dental clinic within the school where the children can get their teeth cleaned and be seen by a dentist.
Our school also offers an after-school program where students receive help with homework, can participate in activities such as dance or swimming, and sit down for dinner with their friends. At the after-school program, children can also attend counseling groups. Counseling is also offered throughout the school day with our school counselor and our community counseling partners.
My Project
Many of the students have never participated in an ensemble. The students love to play instruments! Through the use of new instruments, the students will get to put their music skills to the test, as well as practice math skills while learning to count rhythms.
My students need basic drumming supplies that Transitional Kindergarten-2nd can use to practice steady beat and rhythmic patterns and ukuleles that 3rd-5th can begin reading and playing music on a pitched instrument.
The ukuleles will allow the students to learn valuable social skills in order to work as a team, to help those that need help, and build confidence and community within the school. The hand drums will help students work on coordination and social skills by building confidence in keeping a steady beat, playing more complex rhythms and learning teamwork.
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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. Graytok and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
