A typical day in my classroom is fast-paced, with twenty-nine kids each needing the very best instruction. I am the only adult in the room. I want nothing more than to help these kids be truly successful.
Our students are from wonderfully diverse backgrounds, they speak a variety of languages at home, and come to school with different cultural experiences.
The majority of our students live in poverty, and it is not unusual for them to be living with extended family or doubled up with another family in single family housing.
I love teaching in a school where students can learn about experiences different from their own, and we work hard to foster a happy and functioning community. Each student learns in their own way, and some of my students require a very structured learning environment to help with their special needs. For some of these kids, learning is extremely difficult due to their individual situations, but I know they can make great improvement given the right instruction.
My Project
I have requested three iPads to increase my students' access to technology, wiggle seats, and light filters to create an optimal learning environment. The iPads will make the entire school day a more rich experience. Students will be able to quickly research facts in Science and Social Studies. There are a variety of math applications that we have never been able to use in the classroom before due to a lack of technology available. Students can access the library's e-reader website, as well as other educational reading applications.
The wiggle seats will help students with special needs and focus issues. Some students need to move in order to concentrate, and the wiggles seats will enable my students to move in a subtle way that is not distracting to their peers. Through this movement, they will be able to attend to their sensory needs, and access the content I am teaching.
For these same types of students, florescent lighting can be harsh and provide too much stimulation. My classroom only has one window, that in not very large. This limits my option to use natural light. The light filters are a perfect solution to this persistent problem.
We have a computer lab that is overbooked, and the access that students have to the online world at home is limited.
In today's world, my students are being left behind peers of higher socio-economic status.
While I can't control many of these factors, I want my classroom to be a place where students get the same opportunity as the more fortunate. A calm environment with good lighting is something all students should have access to. My students are amazing, and they deserve the best.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Pape and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.