Imagine teaching a math class where some students can complete calculus with ease while others have yet to master number recognition? This is the reality in my Spanish classroom. Many of my students are fluent Spanish speakers, while others have never had a day of Spanish class in their lives.
My students represent a dynamic mix of cultures, religions, and languages.
As a Spanish teacher, I am given the task of moving all students forward in their language learning journey. Many of my heritage Spanish speakers are confident speakers of language, but need additional support in the areas of reading and writing. In the same classroom, I may have a student new to my school who has never learned Spanish, and feels intimidated by her fluent peers. It is my goal to make sure all of my bright and capable students grow as Spanish speakers in my classroom, so differentiation is key!
My Project
Having three computers that will always be in my room, will ensure I can provide the support needed to all students. I intend to create centers and projects so learners at the same level can collaborate with each other to blog, explore culture, chat with classmates in the target language, learn grammar and sentence structure, perfect pronunciation, play games, and grow as Spanish speakers. Students will not have to give up their computers when mandatory testing comes around, when virtually all student computers are occupied for days on end. They will engage with applications such as Duolingo, MindSnacks Spanish, StoryKit, as well as explore the Spanish-speaking world through video, song, geography studies, and more.
Donations will improve my classroom because having technology at my students' fingertips will help to ensure they are not discouraged by their lack of previous knowledge.
They will have an opportunity to build skills at their level and collaborate with peers. In addition, it is vital students learn digital citizenship skills and Internet etiquette, which will be a integral part of every lesson I teach in which technology is used.
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. Perry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.