I am entering my 26th year of teaching, and I presently serve as both a 6th and 7th grade USI & USII History Teacher.

Though my school provides most everything I need academically, for the past number of years, I have used my own money to create a learning environment that students have come to love and enjoy. For example, I regularly use incentives in my classroom. One of the incentives I use is giving students pieces of "Jolly Rancher" (candy) for class participation, attempting to answer questions, and engaging in class discussions. My students love this, and I love doing this for them. Some may think that students should participate without the use of incentives, but just as adults like to be recognized and rewarded, so do students. If offering incentives leads some who may not ordinarily participate to do so, then it is worth it in my opinion. The issue is that I typically have about 130 students, and the candy goes fast!

Aside from candy incentives, I also recognize and celebrate each of my students' birthdays. On a student's birthday, they receive a birthday card, some candy, a personalized button (to wear), and they get the opportunity to take a "birthday shot" (on a Nerf basketball hoop) for the chance at a "special" birthday gift (normally choosing among a number of items that have been pre-purchased for the kids from "Five & Below" *if they can make their basketball shot*). The kids really look forward to this, as I recognize all of their birthdays (even those that occurred during the summer). Well, this can also become a bit costly…

Lastly, at the mid-point of each school year with winter break, Christmas, and the holidays approaching, I normally have a class celebration (the last day before break). I dress like "Santa" and bring a very big bag of assorted boxed candies for each student, and in three to five of the 130 boxes of candy, I secretly place a gift card. The kids are always excited to reach into the bag, pull out a box of candy, and hope they have one of the boxes of candy with a gift card inside! It's a nice way to wrap up the end of the first semester.

Sooo, on all the little "extras" that make class memorable throughout the year, I easily spend hundreds of dollars; yet, it is these little "extras" that make the class more enjoyable. It all actually aides in facilitating learning. Students look forward to class, and some of what I've mentioned here is part of the reason why (aside from my interesting lessons that are taught each day). :)

I'm fundraising to cover the costs of these little "extras" that make my class unique and memorable.

The funds will be used to provide incentives, birthday celebrations, and holiday treats for my 6th and 7th grade history students.