Expanding Emotional Resilience Through Reading and Writing
Help me give my students stories about teens whose lives are similar to theirs so they can learn to empathize and see how other teens handle difficult situations.
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
My school is one of the most diverse in our system. Our students attend three different elementary schools in very diverse communities before joining together in sixth grade. Our students are also very transient, often leaving and coming back many times during their high school careers. Also, over half of our students receive free or reduced meals.
Because we are in a suburban area, we often overlook the economic disparity that exists in our community.
Our student body ranges from students who drive expensive cars to those who hold down two or three jobs to help feed their families. Many of our students have bigger problems than bringing supplies to class or dealing with typical high school drama.
My Project
Our school is a part of a program aimed at improving "access, opportunities, and outcomes" for our students who are often seen as disadvantaged. As a part of our training, we have begun focusing on the social and emotional learning of our students on a daily basis. Our initial areas of focus include increasing empathy in our students and teaching them how to speak about and control their emotions.
We see examples all over social media of the lack of empathy that is plaguing our nation and causing people to attack things and people they do not understand.
Our first step in increasing empathy is to host book clubs for our students. We will read books about teens with whom our students can relate and discuss the trials the characters must face, how they handle tough situations, and the consequences of their actions. These groups will be led by different teachers throughout the school year and any student may sign up. We will be using city grants to provide more books for the students if our numbers increase.
Our second area of focus is teaching our students how to name their feelings and then find appropriate ways to express those feelings. We want to provide journals for students who are interested in using writing as a means of expressing their thoughts, emotions and current situations. We will also provide "fidget" items for students to use in class when they need to get their emotions out in a more physical way. . We are trying to teach our students that there are ways of expressing their emotions that do not involve yelling or violence.
30 Pack Kraft Notebooks, Feela 15 Designs A6 Cute Mini Pocket Notebooks and Journals, 80 Lined Pages Motivation Small Journal Notebook Bulk for Women School Supplies Taking Memos, 4.1X5.8 in
• Amazon Business
$21.99
5
$109.95
20 Pieces Inspirational Notebook Small Pocket Notebooks Inspirational Notepads Mini Motivational Journal Notebook for Office School Home Travel Supplies (10 Styles)
• Amazon Business
$15.59
6
$93.54
42 Pcs Sensory Fidget Toys Set, Stress Relief and Anti-Anxiety Tools Bundle Toys Assortment,Stocking Stuffers for Kids Adults,Party Favors Carnival Prize Classroom Rewards Piñata Goodie Bag Fillers
• Amazon Business
$23.99
3
$71.97
Materials cost
$719.31
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$58.62
3rd party payment processing fee
$10.79
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$818.72
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$144.48
Total project goal
$963.20
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$963.20
4 Donors
-$481.60
Donations toward project cost
-$409.36
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$72.24
Matching donations from our partners
-$481.60
Match offers toward project cost
-$409.36
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Petty and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
