This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Where in the world is Waldo? My special education students have a difficult time distinguishing the difference between cities and states, states and countries. Classroom wall maps are a resource that can be used daily across content areas to help students understand where in the world things are.
My students are 20 special needs 6th-8th graders in an inner city Hispanic community.
They are intelligent, hard-working students who have been diagnosed with a variety of learning disabilities, most frequently in the areas of reading and math. Most are students for whom English is not their first language. Our school is in a high poverty community where many families rely on free and reduced lunches. In our present economy, many families are dealing with lost jobs, the need to take less than adequate compensation to bring some money in, and parents working late shifts allowing less time to spend with their children. Gangs and gun violence are a problem in the community, and children are afraid of the streets on which they live. In spite of these challenges, our students love to come to school and our attendance school wide is over 96%. Our teachers are hard-working and dedicated to creating a safe, stimulating learning environment for our students.
My Project
I recently heard a report that a map in the classroom was a thing of the past due to the accessibility of technology. I beg to differ. To me, it makes good sense to have a large visual that can be seen by everyone in the class and which can be referred to in an instant. For students to have to take the time to find a map on a computer would make a "teachable moment" into research which takes time. During Reading, I have frequently wished I had a map to which to refer to quickly demonstrate the location of a setting. During Social Studies, the uses of a display map are endless. Of course, the primary reason for having display maps is to acquaint my students with the geography of our state, country, and world. My students have learned to recognize the continents and now need to locate and understand countries, states, provinces, and cities.
I believe sincerely in the shared responsibility for education.
There are so many needs in a school that present day funding does not address. Your generosity helps to bridge that gap. If you choose to support this proposal you will be instrumental in bringing the world to a small group of students who will be most grateful. I appreciate you for taking the time to visit this website and for making a commitment to education.
More than three‑quarters of 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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