#WhyITeach Contest Winner Highlight
For this post, we had the pleasure of connecting with Karen Festa, a Rhode Island special education teacher, who joined in our #WhyITeach contest and won some Halloween fun to share with her students! Below, Karen shares her experience with PledgeCents in the form of a narrative.
Kids Are a Gift in This World
I stumbled upon a twitter contest through PledgeCents asking to submit a photo and tag with #whyiteach. There are a million reasons why I teach, but my number one reason is because kids are a gift in this world. As teachers, we need to tell kids how amazing they are and that we believe in them. We must create positive learning experiences for all students and provide them with enriching learning opportunities.
I chose a photo we had taken during a math lesson outside. Yes...an awesome math lesson outside! We were working through comparing multi-digit numbers using place value strategies. Each student had cards with clues on them. They read the clues with a partner and students wrote their answers in chalk. The moment we left the classroom and set outside on a gorgeous sunny day, students were giddy with delight and motivated to learn. Furthermore, students supported one another and worked collaboratively.
Much to my surprise, PledgeCents contacted me to tell us we had won. After I had heard the photo I submitted won the contest, I could not wait to share the news with my co-teacher and our class!
Just in time for Halloween, PledgeCents shipped canvas treat bags, markers to decorate the bags, and delicious sweet treats to our classroom. The students LOVED being able to design their own bags. In fact, some have used their bags as a school bag.
Thank you PledgeCents for enriching our classrooms, spreading kindness and positivity, and helping students know and feel that they are a gift in this world.
*Karen was not compensated for this post, nor was she required to sign up with the PledgeCents site to participate in the contest.
If you have any questions, email us at info@pledgecents.com.
