"Sorry about the laughter, volume, chaos, and/or mess, we are busy learning!" This describes my classroom perfectly! We laugh, we are loud, and yes sometimes it gets messy. By the end of the day 17, students and myself are exhausted, our brains are "sweating," but we have definitely grown!
I wouldn't trade my job for anything in this world.
My students are the most incredible group of 2nd graders I have ever met. They are happy, they are sad, they are strong, they are weak, they are caring, and they are indifferent. They live a life that I could never imagine living. They persevere. They show up and give 110% every single minute of every single day. My job is to do the same for them. As they enter their classroom, each of them touches a button on the door and proudly exclaims “Today I will try my best!” Mine is a student led classroom so they get busy right away! Each student knows what their role is and they confidently come up to the ELMO to elicit answers from their classmates. We are hard at work for 30 solid minutes, learning the invaluable skill of number sense. After math routines, we begin reading and writing until recess at 12:45. I am on stage for 17 excited students who watch me, eager to see where I will "take" them today. They beg to stay...and hate to leave!
My Project
When my students enter the classroom, they see worn out books and computers that don't work. It's nobody's fault, it's just the reality of today's public school system. These students who come with so little, but also with so much enthusiasm and energy, and so much excitement for learning deserve so much more. Three iPad minis will empower my students to do remarkable things. I am asking for iPads in particular because my students use a program called First in Math which has an app that digitally builds their math skills, creating a new generation of thinkers! As students "play", they earn virtual award stickers that accrue to their personal and classroom score.
The iPads will prepare my students for the 21st century – to think critically, problem solve, and collaborate with each other. With the iPads we can increase our fluency by reading and listening to more stories on Epic and iStoryTime! Lessons can be customized so each student receives exactly what they need to be successful.
Students can be authors on iBook.
We can travel to Alaska where we can put ourselves in a sled on the Iditarod. "Mush", "Gee", "Haw"! George Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King can be guest speakers! We can explore and study Mars on the Mars Rover! We can create magnificent images on Pages, and movies on iMovie! We will dive down to the Titanic to relive the voyage on the world's most famous ship! The possibilities are without end...just as is my students' curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Keller and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.