My students need an iPad with case and screen protector to enable experiences where students with disabilities can be encouraged to practice social skills through joint iPad activities with peers.
One of the beautiful things about being a special education teacher is that I get to provide supports and teachings that will enable students who learn differently to achieve their best. I love getting to see those "ah-ha" moments when students who have struggled for so long are now able to reach their goal.
Our "classroom" consists of two paired classrooms that are co-taught by special and regular education teacher.
Half of our students are in a Spanish Dual language program though we mix kids between rooms during English time (about 50% of the day). As a school, 70% of our students live in poverty (we have 4-5 kids who are homeless each year) and 45% of our students are English language learners (though closer to 75% between our classrooms.) Within our cluster of rooms we will have 10-15 kids who receive special education services and most of these students will likely have goals related to personal interaction and peer relationships. Most of our students with special needs have multiple goals related to communication and social skill development as well as building relationships with peers.
My Project
We are hoping for an iPad with case and screen protector so that students can work in small groups to work on carefully chosen learning apps that complement both academic and social-emotional goals that we work on in small groups. We have had success in the past encouraging communication and peer interaction as well as skill practice in small groups with carefully chosen apps (such as Storybuilder). We would like an iPad so that we can utilize it in short, intentional sessions throughout the day, not just when we can borrow one. The iPad device is exciting enough that it will be an incentive for struggling students to practice skills that are hard for them. Playing as a group promotes the vital skills of communication and interaction. Last year, after weeks in a coding club with kids with and without Autism, a boy without Autism, who had known very little about a peer with Autism, commented that he never knew his peer was so "smart" at computers and independently kept going back to that peer to talk about apps.
Most importantly, the iPad will EMPOWER students who struggle with communication and peer relationships because they can be an "expert" in this area as they teach and interact with peers in a more authentic way.
This exciting, authentic interactions can and does enable meaningful interactions that will help all students realize skills and personalities of their peers that are not as apparent without this structured, engaging experience with joint activities on the iPad.
Apple iPad with Retina Display MD512LL/A (64GB, Wi-Fi, Black) 4th Generation
• Amazon Business
$459.99
1
$459.99
i-Blason ArmorBox Kido Series Light Weight Super Protection Convertable Stand Cover Case for Apple iPad 4 iPad 4G iPad 4th Generation iPad with Retina Display iPad 2, The New iPad 3 (Black)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
10 Foot Long iPhone iPad Charging Cord For iPhone 6, iPhone 5, iPad Air, Mini & iPod - This EXTRA LONG Lightning Cable Is Constructed Of Braided Fabric & Is Guaranteed To Be More Durable Than Certified Apple Lightning Cords.
• Amazon Business
$12.77
1
$12.77
Tech Armor Apple iPad 4, 3 & 2 [NOT FOR NEW IPAD AIR] High Defintion (HD) Clear Screen Protectors -- Maximum Clarity and Touchscreen Accuracy [2-Pack] Lifetime Warranty
• Amazon Business
$6.76
1
$6.76
Bargains Depot(2 Pcs) [0.18-inch Rubber Tip Series] 5.5"L Stylus Pens for Touch Screen Devices with 6 Extra Replaceable Soft Rubber Tips -Black/Blue
• Amazon Business
$5.99
1
$5.99
Materials cost
$508.50
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$7.63
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$546.13
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$96.38
Total project goal
$642.51
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$642.51
6 Donors
-$633.68
Donations toward project cost
-$546.13
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Mack and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.