Do you remember what it was like to be seven? You couldn't wait to play, and it took a lot to grab and keep your attention. My students are the same way. They love to read, play math games, and make words for about ten minutes.
My first grade students are fun, energetic, inquisitive and have a short attention span!
They love to learn, and they love using technology. Why not combine both and keep them attuned to the learning taking place? My students come from a Title I school district which means they receive free and reduced price meals at school. Technology is new and entertaining to them, but many students, don't get a lot of exposure to it at home.
My Project
Having just one tablet in our classroom permanently will help the students immensely. They would be able to take reading tests whenever they wanted. I would be able to download applications to use in reading groups to have the students make words, work on their phonics, and help with their reading fluency. There are several programs available that record the students reading and read it back to them. You are probably thinking a tape recorder could do the same. With a tablet the students cannot only hear themselves reading when playing it back, they can also follow along with the words at the same time on the screen. They would be able to make up their own stories and illustrate them. The students could create movies, and download books on their reading levels.
I am only allotted $50 per year to replenish supplies for my classroom.
No matter how careful they are, we always lose letters, dice, game pieces, etc. Having a tablet would allow us to have access to all of those things, and they will never be lost. The tablet will also help engage those students who have difficulty concentrating. It will make learning more fun for my students and open up technology doors they would otherwise not be able to experience.
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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. Beach and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.