My classroom consists of 20 pre-kindergarteners, several of whom have specials needs, and the majority being English Language Learners with various backgrounds.
Even with such a diverse group they are still students who are naturally curious and love to explore!
Many students are new to the country and this may also be their first time in a school setting. In addition, it is possible that many have not had previous experience with classroom materials outside of basic toys and technology. Please help me to provide them with the resources that will create new, exciting experiences for them where they can practice independence and be proud of their accomplishments.
My Project
Pre-kindergarteners are digital natives. They don't know a life without a phone, computer, or cartoons on demand. In a world so deeply involved in technology, our students will need to not only understand it, but also how to control and manipulate it. The technology that we do have in the classroom such as laptops, iPads, and a Promethean Board, are interactive in the sense that students engage by playing digital games or watching instructional videos. However, how students engage depends on what is available to them and limits them to being the audience rather than the director.
By donating to our project, you will be helping to introduce an entirely new way of thinking that allows young learners to take on the technological world, not only building what interests them, but also controlling it.
We are teaching students to think like future programmers in a way that is fun and hands-on. The LEGO Coding Express Train helps teach problem-solving skills, guides students on how to approach problems by breaking them into smaller steps, and teaches persistence by taking the fear out of making mistakes or failing. Even more, the LEGO Coding Express Train is beneficial to all students including language learners and those with disabilities. To first learn by doing rather than speaking builds a base for language and conversational skills. It builds a base for taking initiative and increasing responsibility. It also builds a base for collaborative thinking and team-work. And it fits perfectly into our Transportation Unit within the Prekindergarten Curriculum! We will get to learn about vehicles and control them!
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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. Romano and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.