My students need one Bilingual Carpet, one Room Divider, and one copy each of Monsters Love Colors, One, Beautiful Oops!, Henri's Scissors, Elmer's Colors, Jorge el curioso va a la bibliteca and Perro grande... Perro pequeño / Big Dog... Little Dog.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My students are young artists (K-1) in their first years of school. They are excited little sponges ready to learn. My classroom is a place for imagination and discovery.
My school is Title I with a transient population that daily faces many challenges.
Many of my students don't have books at home or other school supplies because they move often. Half of my students are Spanish speakers, some knowing no English at all. Those learning English as a second language need extra reinforcement with literacy, which some parents are unable to give.
While the subject I teach is art, I know that in these formative years getting a strong foundation in reading is crucial for future student success. I want my students to not just love art, but to love learning.
My Project
I often read a book at the beginning of class as a way to inspire students or introduce a subject. When I read from the front of the class and students are seated at the art tables many of them can't see the pictures and lose focus. My classroom needs a carpet where students can gather to listen to a story, or watch a demonstration. The carpet I selected is bilingual with numbers and colors in English and Spanish, which I know my students will enjoy.
Having a designated place to read is important in any classroom, even art!
I want a comfortable and engaging reading center for my students. The double-sided book shelf I requested will be perfect for creating this space. It displays the covers of picture books, which are age appropriate for my kindergarten and first grade students, and also provides storage for more books. Sometimes we use centers in art so that students have the opportunity to explore various media and direct their own learning. I plan to include the reading center in the rotation to support literacy as well as exercise students' imaginations.
Lastly, there are days when a student finishes a project early and needs an independent and quiet activity. What's better than chilling out with a good book?
Encouraging reading is so important for students at this young age. I have requested art related books and bilingual books to fill the shelves so that there is something for everyone. My hope is that by sharing my love of art and reading I will foster a love of learning in my students.
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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. Carter and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
