My students need an iPad to use applications that will help support their reading, writing, mathematics, and other academics they are trying to learn in English.
"If you can teach 1st grade reading, you can teach anything." A fellow educator once told me this. It explains the challenge that young students can face in learning to read and how it can also affect their ability to learn in other subjects as well.
My first grade students are facing the challenge of learning to read, but they also are facing another challenge.
They are English Language Learner (ELL) students. In other words, all my students' first language is something other than English. They also attend a school where 98.5% of students are on free and reduced lunches. Regardless of all of this, my students are eager to learn how to read, write, and use mathematics in the English language. In order to do so, I have to support the students through using pictures and videos to find ways to relate information to them when they might not understand it in English. It also requires lots of practice with phonics, vocabulary, and all the different mathematical skills necessary.
My Project
Having an iPad to use in the classroom would be useful to my ELL students in so many ways. First, I would be able to use language translating apps in order to better communicate with my students who do not know very much conversational English. It would give us a way to communicate so they can understand directions and ask questions when needed. Other applications on the iPad would allow the students to do activities to practice phonics, vocabulary, mathematics, writing and many other skills they are learning. Without these skills, students may not be at the level they need to be. The iPad would also allow a way to download useful videos and pictures to support student learning and vocabulary they are in the process of obtaining. Through using these applications on the iPad, my students will learn valuable skills that they can apply when they are reading, writing, and using mathematics both in the classroom and in their lives as well.
When you think about the academic challenges some first graders face in learning how to read, write, and use mathematics.
Think also how much harder it is for students who are trying to learn the English language at the same time. Being able to receive this donation of an iPad would help support and reinforce skills to help my students academically. In addition to academics, it will also impact their lives because they will be able to carry over those skills into their daily lives and future.
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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 Ms. Meyer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.