I wish I could describe the excitement of my students as they entered our new classroom this year. The "oohs" and "ahhs" as each class crossed through the door melted my heart. I have taught fifth-grade science for the last five years and made the change to the art teacher this year. This is the first time in years that our students will have a full-time art teacher. Now I have all of our students Kindergarten through Fifth grade. So far, they have enjoyed getting to explore our new space, fun seating choices, and hands-on activities.
I wanted my art classroom to not look anything like a traditional classroom, so all summer I've been gathering kitchen tables from garage sales and trading posts.
Now, my students have brightly colored kitchen tables where they can create their masterpieces. My goal is to provide all my students with an engaging, fun, and safe learning environment. My school is Title I and located in a low socioeconomic neighborhood where 98% of the students receive free or reduced-price lunch. Most of my students are faced with many challenges in the classroom and at home.
My Project
I wanted our art classroom to not look anything like a traditional classroom so I spent the summer of 2018 gathering old kitchen tables at garage sales, then sanding and painting them different colors. Sadly these tables are starting to feel the wear and tear of my students’ learning and climbing, and some are "on their last leg". Truth be told the tables we have currently were not built to withstand 300+ busy, little students painting, building, and creating. Our round table tips when students lean on it and I'm worried it will eventually fall over. One of our rectangle tables is very light causing it to travel across the floor and it legs are getting wobbly.
These new flower-shaped tables were made for classrooms and have individual spots notched out for students and table supply carts providing them with adequate space to collaborate while exploring.
These large tables will provide my STEM club kiddos with enough space to continue exploring the world of coding and programming. Currently, my largest table is less than 36" wide and this would give them 60" of "playing" space. Currently, there are random pieces of tape all over our classroom floor while we measured to see if these tables would fit. My students are already excited about the big space they would provide.
I think Artie Coding Robot will be the perfect new addition to our technology and STEM station because it will combine the art of coding with doodling. I can't wait to see what they create with a doodling robot. My students love exploring with Kano Kits, Makey Makey, and Ozobots now to add something new to their choices so they can continue to explore the world of coding.
Nearly all 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 Mrs. Halford and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
