I have written and received funding for three grants during my classroom career. I received a grant for an interactive whiteboard, a grant for literature circles, and a grant for integrating literature with math. The first two came from large corporations that did business in our community, and the last came from a foundation created upon the death of a multimillionaire that lived in our county.
All three opportunities provided for a change in instruction in my classroom. I was the second classroom in our building to have an interactive whiteboard, (the first class was AIG and their board was purchased with AIG funding). If you can think back to (or imagine) when touch activation was just starting, then you can feel the excitement the students felt with that board. It was a favorite center and a favorite teaching tool.
The opportunity to buy several sets of books with various reading levels, various genres, and even several from the same author opened opportunities for students to create a reading community. They would read and discuss the books and grew to ask thoughtful questions to each other about the work. It was amazing.
Finally, I was able to incorporate a love of mine into math instruction with the literature. We would use various math stories (such as Grapes of Math, Sir Cumference and the Round Table) to jump start problem based learning activities to enhance math skills. I set aside time each Friday and the kids couldn't wait to get their hands and minds into math concepts in a fun way.
My tip for those of you seeking grant opportunities is to let your passion show through the application. In our district, we have a person that specializes in grant writing and is willing and able to help you. Take advantage of help such as that. And good luck!
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