A typical day in my classroom is filled with love, laughter and learning. I know that children need to feel safe and valued in order to succeed, and that is accomplished each day. The 25 children who greet me are focused and ready to learn. They are growing more confident with every passing day!
In my eighteen years of teaching, I can honestly say I have never met a group of more focused, hard working students.
They strive to do their best, but also work hard to help everyone succeed. They are exceptionally kind and considerate human beings. Our school of 339 students has an 82% poverty level. Seven percent of our children are homeless and for sixty-two percent, English is their minority language. With those statistics, it is not always easy for them to come to school ready, but they do. In addition, I have a wonderful group of parents, who stay involved in the learning and want to know how to best help their child succeed. I love teaching all children, but with a group like this, each day is an adventure. I am always trying to think of new, creative ways to help them in their learning journey.
My Project
My students would us the Chromebooks in many different ways. We currently use a program to help with basic math facts. With access to only two computers, it is hard to get through the rotation of students. In addition, our school just order licenses for a new literacy program that is used online. Having four additional Chromebooks would allow me to have technology centers, giving everyone more equal access. Once a week we have access to the Chromebook cart. The children like to practice typing skills to learn the location of letters on the keyboard. I would like students to be able to type and publish more of their writing pieces. With limited access to computers it is hard to have the time to allow the children to type these pieces. The feeling of accomplishment I see in their eyes when they take a writing piece to finished product is amazing. We took over and old bulletin board in the school just for our writing pieces. They love to see their work displayed for the entire school.
I think that having the Chromebooks would be a huge motivator for my students.
Being able to practice math facts and literacy games, as well as books on CD would help them to continue to grow as learners. Being fluent in their basic math facts will help them to solve problems in second grade and beyond. Playing literacy games will help them recognize HF words, improving their reading and fluency, which in turn will improve comprehension. I see many benefits to having additional Chromebooks!
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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. Houlden and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
