Writing is one of the most important skills a person can have entering higher level education as well as the work force. The more I can do to model writing, show examples of wonderful writing and group edit writing samples, the more comfortable my students will be with this important skill.
I teach two groups of incredible 6th graders.
I have one block of honors students and one block of GATE (gifted and talented) students. They are engaged, inquisitive and so eager to learn. This is their first year in middle school and they have shown they are ready for the responsibility. They really are interested in bettering themselves as students and learners. They are learning to have scholarly discussions and to politely disagree with each other's opinions. This is important because they are very opinionated and even at this young age, many of them know what they believe. They are an absolute joy to teach.
I also teach a very energetic group of 7th grade 3-D art students. They were placed in this elective, so many would not consider themselves artists. However, I am constantly impressed with the risks they take in their work. They are open minded and hard working. I teach a wonderful group of students.
My Project
There are an unlimited number of things that my classes could do with a document camera, but several key activities come to mind. We have a smart board in our classroom, however when my students write, it is a difficult tool to use. I either need to re-type some of their writing or read it out loud, however with a document camera that would all change. What I am envisioning is being able to project completed writing assignments as I read them. Students would be able to follow along and notice the correct use of writing conventions or writer's voice. We could edit excerpts as a group, which would lead to more meaningful conversations about great writing.
I also teach 3-D art students that would benefit from this wonderful tool as well. I always show my students models of what I would like them to complete, however projected at the size that a document camera would allow, students would have a much clearer idea of what they need to do. It would cut down on my explanation time.
I would love for you to donate to this project.
This tool would help focus my lessons and allow all of my students to see the task we are working on. I think learning how to be strong writers is one of the most important skills my students can leave my class with. By having the opportunity to learn and edit and discuss this process together, I will reach more students at a time. Every child in my class will get to experience and benefit from this amazing technology. Thank you.
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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 Mrs. Croal and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.