My Grade 1 Classroom

Hi everybody,

this year I will be teaching grade 1 at Strathcona

Elementary in a new classroom. Unfortunately this classroom and the

materials provided (or lack of) are in serious trouble. There are very

few resources or materials available, most of which are outdated (think

80s and 90s) and not appropriate to be using in 2014. Also the general

feel and atmosphere in the classroom is awful.

Remember that

these kids are 6 years old. They need learning to be fun and engaging.

We also want the students to have lots of time to play in centers and

get creative and imaginative but we have almost no toys. This is one of

the things that upsets me the most. I want our students to have the

ability to play dress up, build things, create things etc...

It

makes me so sad to see a space that doesnt feel warm, inviting and

exciting for my students will be starting grade 1 in a few days. This is

a province wide issue but hits inner city schools particularly hard.

While wealthier schools have PACs that raise thousands of dollars for up

to date equipment like smart boards etc... inner city schools do not

have those luxuries.

I want to take my students on field trips

like other teachers do. There are so many great places that could enrich

their learning but because of the lack of funding we are unable to go.

This

is a social justice issue that has a huge impact on students learning

and their lives in general. I strongly believe that all students deserve

a welcoming, warm and safe classroom. I want them to be excited about

learning and I want them to get the best education possible because they

deserve it.

My job share partner Atsuko and I need your help. We

can't do it on our own. Please help us make sure these kids have the

best grade 1 year.

If you don't have money to give please

consider donating toys that perhaps arent getting anymore use in your

home, dress up clothing, books, art supplies etc... All these items cost

a lot of money and will make all the difference for these kiddos.

We need the following (please remember that these kids are in grade 1).

-books
-art supplies: paint, pencils, paper, crafts etc...
-cds with great music!
-dress up clothes
-toys for centers (train set, building blocks, playhouse, lego, etc)
-healthy snacks for recess
-mittens, coats, shoes, socks
-science supplies
-bus tickets to go on field trips