When I meet people and they ask what I do for work, they almost always have the same response upon learning I teach 4th grade. "Fourth grade was my favorite grade," they say. My students would agree. I love this age when students still enjoy learning and coming to school. I love their interest in history and the way they embrace new ideas.
My students are like giant sponges--soaking up all that is offered to them at school.
They especially love learning about social studies--the history of our state and some of the big events that shaped our nation.
I spend almost every extra penny that comes my way on resources that teach my students about social studies, because they can't get enough of it. I have a class of 29 students--more boys than girls. Social studies is probably their favorite subject because 4th grade covers so many interesting topics. They come from a middle socioeconomic community. They seem a little lower than previous classes--most likely pandemic related. Our school is fairly new, at only 8 years old.
My Project
Social Studies is a subject that has somewhat fallen by the wayside because it isn't tested at the end of the year, yet it is one of the most engaging and enjoyable subjects for students. Since half the battle of learning has to do with engagement, I try to fill my lessons and classroom with rich, engaging resources that will capture the attention of students.
Donations to this project will provide students with engaging books and a Rendezvous simulation that will help them understand the Native American and Mountain Man cultures.
I know from 16 years of experience how much students love to learn from stories. I'm anxious to provide them with as many wonderful resources as possible. If their reading improves because they are drawn to read engaging resources, it is a win win situation. The books in my cart will engage students in learning about Native American culture. I want to have a great selection of books I can leave out for students to choose from. Since most of the books in my cart are picture books, they will attract my lower and reluctant readers.
Everything else in the cart will be used at our Mountain Man Rendezvous. Through this simulation, students learn more about the life of a mountain man. Students earn "beaver pelts" which they can spend on goods at our Rendezvous trading post. Pelts are earned by good behavior and engagement during the day. This encourages students to stay on task better in all subjects. The supplies will be used to create jewelry and other items students can buy with their pelts at the Rendezvous.
Set Of 50 Indian Arrowheads Agate New Replica 1/2 " - 1 1/2 " L
• Amazon Business
$13.99
2
$27.98
BSIRI Pencil Wood Favors of Graphite Wooden Tree Rustic Twig Pencils Unique Birch of 12 Camping Lumberjack Decorations Party Supplies Novelty Gifts as a Natural Pencil Gifts for Kids in Classroom
• Amazon Business
$6.99
4
$27.96
Mandala Crafts Russet Brown Faux Suede Cord - Flat Vegan Leather Cord for Jewelry Making Beading - Micro Fiber Leather String Cord Leather Lace for Leather Lacing Necklace Bracelet 2.65mm 100 Yards
• Amazon Business
$11.99
2
$23.98
The Girl Who Helped Thunder and Other Native American Folktales (Folktales of the World)
• Amazon Business
$10.99
2
$21.98
Sowder 50pcs Colorful Gold Goose Feathers 4-6inch(10-15cm) for Art Craft Party Decoration Clothing Accessories Duck Feather(White&Gold)
• Amazon Business
$9.99
2
$19.98
LANBEIDE 60Pieces Cabochons Jewelry Making Kits-20Pcs Dreamcatcher Bezel Pendant Trays with 20Pcs Glass Cabochons 14mm and 20Pcs Black Waxed Necklace Cords for Photo Pendant Jewelry Making
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
KISSITTY Kissity 30-Pieces Handmade Dangling Dream Catcher Charm Pendants Mixed Color 90mm Filigree Ethnic Ornament Keyring Jewelry Making
• Amazon Business
$16.88
1
$16.88
20 Pcs Natural Stone Pendants Heart Shape Healing Mixed Color Stone Charms for Jewelry Making
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
The Native American Story Book Stories of the American Indians for Children (1)
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Mandala Crafts Medium Turquoise Faux Suede Cord - Flat Vegan Leather Cord for Jewelry Making Beading - Micro Fiber Leather String Cord Leather Lace for Leather Lacing Bracelet 2.65mm 100 Yards
• Amazon Business
$12.99
1
$12.99
Tatuo 50 Pieces Cotton Drawstring Bags Muslin Bag Sachet Bag for Home Supplies (3 by 4 Inches)
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Wobe 100 Yards Suede Cord, Leather Cord 2.6mm x 1.5mm Suede Lace Faux Leather Cord with Roll Spool Beading Craft Thread for Bracelet Necklace Beading DIY Handmade Crafts Thread (Black)
• Amazon Business
$10.95
1
$10.95
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
Coyote Steals the Blanket: A Ute Tale (Ute Tales)
• Amazon Business
$7.99
1
$7.99
AUEAR, 100 Pack Silver Indian Arrowhead Charms Arrowhead Jewelry Charms for Jewelry Making
• Amazon Business
$7.49
1
$7.49
The Legend of the Bluebonnet
• Amazon Business
$5.99
1
$5.99
Materials cost
$451.67
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.78
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$488.45
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$86.20
Total project goal
$574.65
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$574.65
1 Donor
-$574.65
Donations toward project cost
-$488.45
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Andersen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.