"Mrs. C, I can't find South America, my page is missing!" Fifth grade social studies standards include extensive study of United States' history and geography. They use torn, taped, page-missing atlases daily! I am left apologizing that there is no money for better ones.
My students are bright, but often disadvantaged.
Our school poverty level is eighty-five percent. Many of my students struggle with getting enough sleep, having enough to eat, and having enough daily structure in their lives to promote education as a priority. Our parent-teacher association works diligently, but there is little money to gather in the community. While other schools in our districts are purchasing iPads for their classrooms, my school struggles for educational resources such as atlases.
My Project
How can you learn history without knowledge of geography? Fifth grade curriculum includes extensive investigation of political and physical geography. Also, United States' history is introduced at this grade level. When students are learning about the explorers and settlers, they need geographical understanding of the World! My students answer daily geography brainteasers to explore this world and gain needed background knowledge to connect with when learning our early United States history. Our current atlases have more than fallen apart! I continue to find pieces and pages in the classroom. My students often walk around the room to find friends that have the information they need to answer their brainteasers! Without adequate resources, it is time consuming for my students to get their work done. It is frustrating for them.
My students deserve the opportunity to work with resources that show pride and importance.
I have watched several years of my students working "around" these torn, battered atlases. For them to work efficiently and effectively, I am at the desperate end of asking on Donor's Choose!
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. Cochran and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.