In many learning environments, across our country, facts are given, and notes are taken. In my classroom, information tidbits are offered, and questions are written or asked...my students have realized that there is always more, and they want more. Every fact or comment leads to another question.
We are a brand new Montessori charter school, in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
My children are the most curious ever. They are introduced to something, and immediately a spark is ignited, and they want to know more. Having five computers for my 25 fourth, fifth and sixth-graders, to use and share, would allow them the independence when curiosity strikes. Our school is all about instilling curiosity, independence, and excitement about learning. My children love to research, and extend their knowledge of things around them. More than just satisfying their need to know, they enjoy creating projects, and sharing what they've discovered. With limited technology at this point, someone is always waiting for a computer to use, and projects are often delayed.
My Project
By having computers available for my students to use as needed, and for projects, my students will be able to create and share with the Lower Elementary classes, and their fellow classmates. Montessori learning is based on children learning at their own pace. Often, students chose to dig deeper into a particular subject, and technology affords them this opportunity, with the teacher being more of a facilitator. When a child creates their own questions, does their own research, and finalizes it with some kind of project, they not only own it for themselves, many of their peers are impacted as well. My students know when they need more resources, and are eager to have more technology available to them.
By realizing our goal, our class will be able to increase time on task because trips to the local library, and researching at home, will be replaced with working at school.
I will be able to oversee more of their work, and guide and facilitate more of their projects. Many students do not have access to technology at home, so these computers will allow them to expand their technological abilities. They will become more confident 21st Century citizens. For many, the impact will be very dramatic.
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 Mrs. Midkiff and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.