"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Can today's kids answer that question the way the work world is constantly changing? Technology will certainly be used every day in their futures, but there are still "Old School" skills they will need - including cursive writing!
"Ehi Passiko!" ("Come and See!" from the ancient Pall Language) greets visitors at the door as they enter my 4th grade classroom.
Students sit at groups of desks or at low tables or on the floor or at computers collaborating, conversing, sharing ideas. There is always the buzz of their voices, sometimes laughter, sometimes spontaneous singing. They use contracts to guide their selection of activities to meet their weekly goals. There are always questions and many times they provide explanations or solutions to each other. Our suburban school draws students from a variety of neighborhoods. We are a year-round school that parents choose to have their children attend.
My Project
Each day there is a Language Arts rotation. Students choose from a variety of activities that focus on grammar, spelling, and writing structure. One choice is cursive writing practice. The students are excited about learning to write in a "grown-up" manner. They practice forming letters (Loopy Letters) and words through games (Cursive Concentration), copying poetry, and pretending to be celebrities signing autographs. At the moment they write on paper - lots of paper! The Boogie Boards will provide a technology twist to a "pencil and paper" skill. The Boards will provide a tool for repeated practice while reducing the amount of paper used.
The donations to this project will add a fun twist to a necessary skill.
And even though they may not know what they will be when they grow-up, they will be able to sign their names to a rent agreement, a car purchase and loan application as well as read hand-written memos from colleagues!
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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 Ms. Fellman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.