Poverty can be devastating to a young child. My students live in the highest poverty section of our community. My students come to school hungry, unkempt, and with emotional and physical needs. Some are homeless and some haven't eaten since they had their school lunch the previous day. Some can't focus because their emotional or physical needs are overpowering. When parents must choose between feeding their families or going to the museum, they choose feeding their families. My students miss out on vacations, trips to the museum, and other cultural opportunities.
My students need educational experiences that enrich lives and help our children to examine what it means to be human.
They are excited to be in class. They are eager to learn and they face learning challenges with courage and bravery. They inspire me each and every day. They have instilled in their hearts that if the work hard, they can achieve their dreams.
My Project
With the use of iPads, students will visit museums from around the world, like The Louvre in Paris or The Smithsonian in Washington. They will research animals and zoos from around the world. They will watch performances and live video of celebrations around the world.They will build background knowledge and carry that over to other curricula areas such as writing. In writing, students will be inspired to create iBooks through the app Book Creator. Students will have opportunity to import pictures and video, music, record their own voices, draw and annotate their books, choose book sizes , and share their books with their parents, families, and friends. Students can create books based on research projects, creative writing, or in response to prompts. Book Creator makes writing exciting and fun for those reluctant writers and it allows students to work collaboratively through the entire writing process. Creative writing is an important part of our English Language Arts curriculum.
Pam Allyn, a renowned educator in the literacy world, is quoted as saying: “ Reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out.” My students need opportunity to write daily and for some, pen to paper is just not inspiration enough to get their creative juices flowing.
However, when given an iPad, photos, prompts, and the ability to design students can create masterpieces. With the use of iMovie or Aurasma, students can create impressive Book Talks that inspire other students to read new books!
My students need experiences with technology to compete with their peers. Our world revolves around technology and this project will give my students access to that technology.
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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. Shelton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.