“If kids come to us (educators) from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job easier. If they do not come to us from strong, healthy, functioning families, it makes our job important.” – Barbara Colorose.
I teach 38 ELL (English Language Learner) middle school students.
Many of my students are recent immigrants. In addition, many receive free or reduced lunch and few receive special education services. More than half of my ELLs are picked up by the bus from far, high poverty neighborhoods simply because ELL services are only provided at a select few schools in the county. Many are faced with disheartening situations such as bullying, hunger, loss of a parent, neglect and insufficient housing. Although my students are faced with many challenges, they all have an incredible, uplifting spirit and a strong will to learn.
My Project
When I told my students that we had a chance at receiving some math materials to use in the classroom, their faces lit up. They brought their permission slips in the next day so that I could post our picture and start our project. This school year, I have grouped together nine sixth graders in order to provide them with additional math services that also incorporates language and as many of us know math has plenty of difficult terms to understand. I have created many lessons that intertwine math and language; however, I believe that students need to learn from each other in addition to the teacher who in many situations should be the facilitator. Center work is imperative for my middle school students for a number of reasons. Not only will these centers allow for them to learn specific math topics, but it will provide collaboration amongst the students and before they know it, they are teaching each other and learning off each other. In addition, this will allow for teamwork.
My students look forward to coming to school.
It is something they can always depend on. I believe in my students and they impress me everyday. Please believe in them too and donate to this cause. Thank you!
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. Heymann and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.