My students need computers, graphic arts software, and art books to tap into the creative and artistic right brain, which will enhance and extend learning.
My students are exceptional artists. Why not tap into that creativity to extend traditional subject lessons to match their learning style. Instead of always telling them to stop creating art, I want to use this interest to propel them to higher levels of learning.
As a public charter school teacher, I have tremendous flexibility in the classroom to differentiate instruction.
For my exceptionally artistic students, they will learn best if I can teach them with lessons that match their learning style. The right brain should not be ignored. Some have a new drawing or animation to show me almost everyday. My creative students want to learn, and I want to teach using their strengths and abilities rather than dissuade their artistic tendencies.
My Project
With two computers and graphic arts software for each, I will be able to unleash my creative students to learn based on their strengths. Instead of creating a traditional book report, they will create a story board with bold images and captions. Instead of listing adjectives on paper, they will create beautiful word clouds. Instead of using the textbook to teach 3-dimensional shapes, they will use Google Sketch Up to create their own 3-dimensional structures. They will take pictures, adjust them in Corel, embed them into documents, print them on our new color printer, and create a classroom magazine. The opportunities for creative learning are endless with these tools targeted for right-brain learning.
My project is so important to all of my 49 students because each one deserves the best from me.
They need me to teach them in ways that meets each student's learning style. By letting the creatively-inclined students learn through art, I will have more time for all students, and I will be able to differentiate my instruction like never before.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Waters and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.