My students come in every day raring and ready to go! Our day always begins with several hugs and exciting news that they have to share with me. The greatest gift in the world is to be surrounded by children who love you despite your flaws, can't wait to see you every day, and think you hung the moon!
The majority of my students come from high-poverty homes, and many don't have Internet access at home.
It is not uncommon for students to come to second grade on a first-grade level. Because of this, it seems that we are playing catch-up for most of the year.
Luckily, I teach in a wonderful school where teachers are willing to share resources and do whatever it takes to help students achieve success. Although many of my students are facing various challenges including broken homes, being raised by grandparents, and living in poverty, they are very motivated learners.
My Project
Using an Oculus Quest, I have sat with the President and toured The White House. I have ridden in a boat in the Moken village and have seen their village on the sea. I have listened to the story of the last survivor pulled from the Twin Towers after their collapse and viewed New York before and after 9/11. Oculus Quest aside, as a teacher and adult, I have been able to explore the world that many people from Ozark, Arkansas, have not the opportunity to do. By giving these materials to my class, you will help my students to understand that there is a much larger world to learn about.
Imagine, as a second-grade student, being able to take a virtual field trip to a place like the Statue of Liberty without having to physically be in New York.
Imagine experiencing the thrill of space or the depths of the ocean. Part of the second-grade curriculum is learning about habitats/earth sciences. An Oculus has the potential to put a student in the middle of any given habitat. They will not only learn about these places but see these places in a personal way not previously experienced in our classroom. American symbols? The virtual setting gives a more robust experience about why we hold our national landmarks in such high esteem. Even math...imagine drawing shapes and angles in front of you, where you can walk around them and view them from different perspectives. The possibilities are ENDLESS!
Previous virtual systems, although good, have been limited for use because of the virtual quality, bulkiness, and price. The new generation of Oculus Quests are cordless, have great virtual quality, and are reasonably priced. If learning is an adventure, the Oculus Quests can help make it one to remember!
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. Whitwam and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
