This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
I teach in a large urban district and have 23 students that I miss very much. Distance Learning has taken us all by surprise. Some of my students and families are not technologically savvy and struggle to access and complete assignments. We didn't get to properly say goodbye to each other which has been particularly hard. Nothing can replace the face to face interaction between teachers and students. My students are at home or a family member's house as they try their best to continue learning during these circumstances.
My students need to see what is required and expected of them as they complete assignments.
Some of them do not have support academically so they need visual examples more than ever. They need a gradual release approach to learning where I do first, we do together, and then they do on their own. I have made videos to help continue their learning, but not everyone is able to log on to sites due to wifi issues or issues with their iPad. I have scheduled zoom meetings twice a week. I am currently using a laptop to record video examples of what we would be doing in the classroom.
My Project
A document camera will help me project what we are working on onto the screen during a virtual meeting. I can also use the document camera to make videos more creative and detailed for my students. Especially for the ones that are unable to attend virtual meetings.
Gradual release is the way the go!
With the document camera and tablet, once I project a piece of writing, I can use the tablet to show students how to edit their writing. We can write opinion pieces together prior to the class writing on their own. In addition, I will be able to use the document camera for a read-aloud, and students can follow along with me.
Also, as we count coins, I can lay them on the table and touch the coins as I say their value. Once they are organized from the coin with the greatest value, I would be able to write the amount under each coin. If I give the students an amount, they can tell me what coins to use and I can show the coins as the class counts along. The document camera and tablet will produce endless options for use.
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. Pharris and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
