I'm a 6th grade teacher in a moderately diverse middle school setting in an emerging Spanish speaking and low-income area. Our school is on a very tight budget. For instance, money is so tight at our school, teachers are limited, weekly, as to how much paper they may use for the copier machine.
My students need to work their brains with other stimulus other than violent video game imagery or senseless games that don't make them think. When I voiced an idea that it would be a good idea to have a game system such as the Nintendo DS to play educational games, they thought it was a wonderful idea.
My idea for this project arose from the book titled, "Spark", by John Ratey. Providing my students with educational games such as Brain Age, IQ Arcade will give them the opportunity to literally "work out" their brains. The games the students will play will provide fast-paced workouts that stimulate the protein that is produced by the brain called " brain-derived neurotrophic factor" Basically, that protein is a so-called "Miracle-Gro" for the brain. Studies have been proven that when the brain in stimulated with fast and engaging activities, the hippocampus region of the brain is improving and thus, improving the brain's ability to recall and decipher information; especially Mathematics. Not that computers are a nuisance in my classroom, but having this type of technology (Nintendo DS) will provide the students with an opportunity to play educational games without having to check out the computer lab (weeks in advance) or to make special lesson plans. Students who are normally intimidated by computers will find using the Nintendo DS less intimidating and more conducive to learning while having fun at the same time.
I am asking for a small donation so that I may pilot the program in my classrooms. I am predicting this project will be extremely successful for my students and I may ask for more systems in the future so that more students may enjoy playing "Brain Age" in my classroom.
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