My project needs 19 DVDs to build a technology-based classroom Mensa Club, including Classroom Jeopardy games.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. W.'s classroom raised $735
This project is fully funded
I have five years of teaching experience in District of Columbia Public Schools, but this is my first year here. A large number of students are ranked academically as 'Below Basic'. That means they scored 30% or less on both reading and math standardized tests. Another large number of students ranked as 'Basic'. That means they scored less than 60% on both standardized tests.
The majority of the incoming students to fifth grade are working on third grade level. Their reading abilities (oral fluency, retell, and comprehension), computation skills, and number sense and operations are not on grade level. Some students are working as far as two grade levels below their current grade. As they enter fifth grade, they will be at a disadvantage because they had difficulty attempting to read and comprehend fourth grade written materials and math.
Their reading, comprehension, and retell abilities are not equal to the required readings, class work, and homework they will be assigned. As they attempt to progress through fifth grade required curricula and supplemental materials, they will continue to fall farther behind and away from their essential goals of achievement.
I have observed that students love to work on computers, watch movies, and play video games. This project will combine all three activities while promoting higher education across language arts, science, mathematics, public speaking, and social studies. Through the use of DVD's the project will incorporate a number of different topics that will keep students engaged in fun activities and learning. To increase student academics, I will be starting a Mensa Club. In this club, students will be required to watch and listen to a given DVD, take notes, and prepare for a Mensa Club discussion. Each Friday the members will participate in a Jeopardy-style tournament to see who remembers and can elaborate most on the DVD of the week.
As students engage in watching the DVD's and discussing what they heard, they will be increasing their knowledge base for all of their required (core) courses. They will also be exposed to information they would have problems trying to read and understand from written materials, such as textbooks. Some of the DVD's will teach sign language. This will provide students with another form of communication and will prepare them to join sign language clubs when they reach middle or high school.
As a former middle school teacher, my former 6th grade students had a sign language. Under my encouragement they performed at a Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Celebration for the U.S. Government, performed in local churches, at the school?s Christmas program, and their 6th grade graduation ceremony. Having an extracurricular activity within the classroom breaks the day up into learning and relaxing. Students need some time in the classroom where some things are not graded, but they learn and have fun while doing it.
This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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