My students need 2 iPad Minis for a project-based learning unit that will break down the barriers of the classroom walls and become global citizens who are culturally aware of the world in which they live.
Do you know which cultures have had the greatest impact on the community of which you are a part? Do you know how they shaped your community in the past to become the community it is today? Are you aware of how your community is continuing to be shaped and influenced by a variety of cultures today?
In a second floor classroom called the crayon box, you will find twenty-five smiling faces.
Coming from diverse backgrounds and attending a Title 1 school that also boasts a student population that is roughly 40% military, these enthusiastic second graders come to school each day ready to embrace our classroom motto. It is from a classic children's tale about a crayon box that could talk, "We are like a box of crayons, each one of us unique, but when we get together, the picture is complete!" Together, as a classroom community, we strive to recognize each individuals unique talents and abilities and help them reach their full potential with plenty of encouragement and support!
My Project
As we work to expand our classroom community beyond the brick and mortar walls of our building, students will be able to take ownership of their learning experiences by engaging in a project-based learning unit centered around the many cultures that have shaped our local community. Students will reach out to members of the community to engage in a collection of oral histories by conducting audio/visual interviews. They will reflect on their experiences artistically and work collaboratively with their peers to compile these resources into a digital historical artifact - a collection of digital stories to be shared with the school and community.
Using iPad Minis, students will independently conduct research on countries, capture images and video of student-led interviews with members of the community, and compile, edit and produce a digital story of these experiences that will truly heighten students cultural awareness while enabling them to preserve the legacy of their community.
Some students have never traveled outside the state, while others have had the opportunity to travel the world.
Through this digital project, they will be able to document connections between one another's experiences and create an understanding of the global society we live in today. As they learn about the countries of cultural origin and discover more through firsthand interviews they will expose these connections and tell the story of the interwoven cultural influences on their community.
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. Fick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.