My students are prime examples of what ensues when you build a classroom community that encompasses a willingness to learn, compassion for others, perseverance through difficult times, and most importantly, love and respect for one another. During this time, my students are experiencing the most challenging situation that most of us as adults have ever experienced, but have opted to TRY their best to continue their learning each and every day remotely and that warms my heart.
"Distance means so little when someone means so much." It is my wish to not let the distance between my learners and me negatively impact their idea of school and what it means to gain knowledge.
After all, this is their Kindergarten year! With that being said, many of my students do not have adequate access to technology, books, and the basic materials needed to aid them in their learning through this most difficult time.
My Project
"Can you see my screen"? This is a question that I ask quite a few times during my virtual class meetings. With distance learning being new to me, I sometimes forget to present my screen to my Kindergartners. Thank goodness, the students or parents remind me, so that I can quickly fix the problem. With challenges like these, it can be difficult to hold the attention of learners. Many times, using the drawing features on various websites proves to be even more difficult when the number 6 is written on the virtual whiteboard, but the number really looks like a curly fry. With an actual whiteboard, I will be able to utilize the provided ten frames to help students grasp our newly introduced place value standard and also be able to write big enough for all learners to see.
"Show me your paper." This is a frequent teacher request, but it is extremely difficult to read the small print written in pencil.
With their own whiteboards and vibrant markers, students will be able to proudly show off their work to their classmates, and I will be able to easily see any errors, which can provide a teachable moment. The best thing about the whiteboards is that they are two-sided, perfect for writing sentences and sight words on one side, and solving math equations on the back! These boards will also serve as scratch paper to use in completing their county-provided work packet.
In addition to needing whiteboards and markers, many of my students do not have access to reading materials that are appropriate for their reading level. It is my intention to mail students one to two books a piece so that they may add to or start their own book collection.
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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. Pietro and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
