I teach 4th grade at a Title I school in South Louisiana. I have wonderful students in my class who love to learn. My school is very dynamic, and all of our 4th grade teachers work together to make one-on-one and tactile learning possible for our students.
Despite some personal hardships, the parents of my students are cooperative, supportive and desire that their children receive the best education possible. Many have basic necessity needs, as our community was drastically impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and my school opened its arms to the students and their parents.
My class is in desperate need of a horseshoe shaped table for individualized instruction. Our Reading and Math programs call for small group, guided instruction at the end of each lesson to help those students who require more attention than others. My groups consist of five students at a time who come with their dry-erase boards (thanks Mr. & Mrs. Z!) to work with me in the back of the room. This kind of individualized instruction is proven to increase comprehension and test scores. 4th grade involves LEAP, which is high-stakes testing. If my students do not pass LEAP, then they fail 4th grade. Therefore, it is VITAL that I provide all students every opportunity to learn. This table will enable me to do that. A horseshoe shaped table allows the teacher to sit on one side in the opening facing the children, while the children sit on the other side in a half circle facing the teacher. It allows for private instruction with up to six students at a time. This is important because the students do not know that I ability group for these daily sessions. They just think that I call five children at a time - and they love for me to call their group! For instance, when I call Group 2 instead of the other groups, the groups not called on say "AWWWW!" I tell them they will all get a turn and I make sure they do! I have never seen children work so hard and try so hard to please me. This is the best group of children!
The table I am requesting is as follows:
*Adjustable 20½-29½"H Horseshoe Table - it even comes in GREEN!
*All adjustable-height tables have 1¼"-thick high-pressure laminate tops
*16-gauge tubular-steel legs with black powder-coat and chrome finishes
*All support 300 lbs.
*30-year warranty
This table would be utilized by me EVERY day as well as by a Resource teacher who comes to my classroom to assist my students with special needs. We were trying to figure out a way to get the students together without having to move all the desks every day. Then I saw this kind of table. It is PERFECT!
My children love school and they love learning, it makes teaching them a privilege instead of a job. I buy all of our Kleenex, paper towels, writing journals, and folders. I also buy baby wipes for the children to wipe their faces after P.E. and recess to refresh them.
My students have dreams of college and understand that an education is their way to success. I have tried to build relationships with my parents so they know that I will mentor the children throughout their lives, not just in 4th grade. I love my students and it is important to me that they succeed not only in 4th grade, but in life.
In the last 2 years I have spent over $3000 of my own money buying uniforms, shoes, eyeglasses, and other things that my students need. I try to care for each child as I would my own children. This grant would go far in helping the children learn. I will gladly do whatever is necessary to comply with any and all terms associated with this grant and I thank you sincerely for your kind consideration of my request.
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
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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. David and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.