My students need a new laptop and protective sleeve in order to practice keyboarding skills, do research for thematic unit projects and practice math skills during independent work time.
I rely heavily on small group instruction in my classroom due to the two grade levels and vast differences in academic abilities. In order to accomplish this, the other students need to have educational activities that they are able to access and use independently.
My 22 students are from a wide variety of socioeconomic backgrounds.
Some have the best of everything and need to be challenged, while others have next to nothing and need all there is to give. I have several children that have limited English skills and others with autism or other special academic needs. There are still others that have been identified as gifted and are working beyond their grade level. I have a true melting pot in my class that requires one on one time with me often or at the very least work that occurs in small groups. They are all brilliant in their own ways and deserve every opportunity that I can give them to maximize their classroom learning experience.
My Project
As a result of the enormous diversity in my classroom, I need to be able to focus on small groups, and differentiate the method of instruction and materials for those different groups. While I am teaching one group, the students in the other groups need to be engaged in motivational learning activities. One way to accomplish this is by having one group work on computers in a center. They play math games, do language arts and writing activities, practice keyboarding skills and create art projects. They are "playing" yet practicing skills that they need in order to move on to the next grade level. A new computer will allow my students to move through the academic experience with the technological experience they will need to be successful. More and more learning is becoming technology based. If students are to be successful and current, they will need to be proficient using the latest technology available.
This project will help me to interact with and instruct my students individually and in small groups on a more consistent basis.
By creating a center that allows for small group instruction, I will be better able to assess the individual needs of my students. It will allow me to create accommodations and modify lessons for students in need. By individualizing the education experience for my students, I can create the more positive and motivating learning environment for all.
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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 Ms. Burkhart and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.