"You are a genius, we just have to find out what you are a genius of." These are the words I want my students to begin each day with. Teaching in a rural, working-class community, many of my students have never been exposed to the wonders the world can offer. Some have never been told of their genius; some are hesitant to believe in it. However, it is always my goal as an educator to find and polish every child's amazing capabilities. Each day children come to class excited to learn, discover their passions, and cultivate their talents. Each day I get to work with 23 brilliant geniuses: what could be better?
My Project
Listening Centers: They're a staple in every early childhood classroom. Students love being able to listen to their favorite stories independently or with peers! Plus, this exposure to hearing engaging readers helps boost interest in learning to read.
It is important to have this center, however, most of these stories are held hostage in out of date technology students are unfamiliar with.
These read-aloud stories are on cassette tapes or CDs, things kindergarteners have (usually) no experience with. However, there is an answer... MP3 players!
MP3 players have the same basic symbols and interfaces that young children are used to. They can intuitively find their way through playlists and picture-based menus, to select the title they want to listen to. No longer do they have to 'rewind' or 'stop' or worry about scratches on CDs. Instead, they can use technology familiar to them to access the centuries old love of listening to stories.
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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. Phelps and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
