This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
There are many things I love of about my students. Two things I love about them is that they rise up to the occasion to be creative and they take advantage of the opportunities I give them to work out conflict with their peers.
My students rose up to the occasion to be creative when they developed musicals based on published songs.
They worked together to retell the events of the song or created a narrative around the song if it had no narrative. They added monologue and/or dialogue to the retell or narrative they created. They also created original songs per event; I was only the facilitator asking guiding questions.
My students take advantage of the opportunities I give them to work out conflict with their peers. Sometimes, they come to me frustrated with each other and I direct them to talk it out in a space in the classroom. After they have talked to each other, I ask them about their discussion and I remind them that they can do that anytime they have a conflict like that. They are leaders.
My Project
These materials will make a difference in my students’ learning. For several years, I have provided MP3 players with FM radio (funded by me) for students who struggle with concentrating on their independent work. Without the MP3 player (due to an inadequate amount of only 5 on hand), they are consistently distracted by the noises around them. The classical music via the local classical music radio station helps them to focus and complete their work. The MP3 players help the students who don’t need to use them to concentrate as well, because they don’t have to hear any music as they work.
The students who need to use one often advocate for themselves to use one, but there are often not enough on hand.
Having 10 more MP3 players with FM radio, plus the five I bought over the years, would help me accommodate students who, based on their Individual Education Program (special education), need help to focus due to distractions. It will also be available for students without an IEP, but who still struggle with focus during independent work.
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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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. Hart and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.