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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Smolenski from Chicago, IL is requesting books through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Smolenski is requesting

Hearts and Hands: Cultivating Compassion in the Classroom

Help me give my students the tools they need to foster compassion in the classroom.

  • $334 goal

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Hooray! This project is fully funded

Ms. Smolenski has another project! Donate to Empowerment Kits: Supporting Girls' Early Menstrual Health to help her classroom.

$407 - complete this project and be a hero
Help Ms. Smolenski

Ms. Smolenski has another project! Donate to Empowerment Kits: Supporting Girls' Early Menstrual Health to help her classroom.

$407 - complete this project and be a hero

Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

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 Project

Fostering compassion in the classroom is essential for creating a supportive and empathetic learning environment. By focusing on activities that can be easily completed within the classroom, this project aims to instill a deep understanding of empathy and kindness in 4th-grade students.

The perspective-taking activities, such as writing diary entries from different characters' viewpoints and creating empathy maps, will help students see the world through the eyes of others.

These exercises encourage students to reflect on different experiences and emotions, building a foundation for empathy. Using "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White, students will engage with diverse characters and situations, enhancing their understanding.

Working toward alleviating suffering will be addressed through class activities like the kindness jar, compassion posters, and role-playing scenarios. These activities provide practical ways for students to practice kindness and support their peers. Celebrating acts of kindness through the kindness jar will create a positive reinforcement loop, motivating students to continue their compassionate behavior.

To measure the success of the project, we will use reflection sheets, peer feedback, and teacher observations. These tools will help us assess students' understanding of compassion and their ability to apply it in their daily interactions. By regularly reflecting on their experiences and receiving feedback, students will become more aware of the impact of their actions and more committed to fostering a compassionate environment.

By the end of this project, students will have a deeper understanding of empathy and kindness and will be equipped with practical skills to demonstrate compassion in their everyday lives. This foundation will not only benefit their personal growth but also contribute to a more empathetic and supportive classroom community.

Ms. Smolenski Canty Elementary School Grades 3-5

Equity Focus

At this school, more than 50% of students are Black, Latino, and/or Native American, and more than 50% come from low-income households. Learn how your donation to this school supports a more equitable education.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Ms. Smolenski

Chicago, IL View local requests

Half 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

80 students impacted 2donors

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Expand the "Where your donation goes" section below to see exactly what Ms. Smolenski is requesting.

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Charlotte's Web: A Newbery Honor Award Winner (Trophy Newbery) • Amazon Business $4.43 30 $132.90
Crayola Project Erasable Poster Markers - Set of 6 • Blick Art Materials $11.40 6 $68.40
Scholastic Kindness & Gratitude Jar Bulletin Board Set (SC-862625) • Quill.com $19.61 1 $19.61
Pacon Poster Board 22 x 28 White 50/Pack (76510) • Staples $18.87 1 $18.87

Materials cost

$239.78

Vendor shipping charges

 $9.95

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$3.60

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$283.33

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$50.00

Total project goal

$333.33

How we calculate what's needed

Total project goal

 $333.33

1 Donor

-$166.66

Donations toward project cost

-$141.66

Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$25.00

match offer

-$166.67

Match offer toward project cost

-$141.67

Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

-$25.00

Still needed View calculationHide calculation

 $0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Smolenski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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