Teaching and motivating kindergarten students to LOVE reading and writing is always my number one challenge and goal each year. When I used my iPad with my reading groups for the first time, I instantly became inspired and "hooked" on integrating technology into my classroom. I found the spark!
My class this year range from students who were unable to identify any letters or sounds to a student who can read on the first grade level and every level in between.
The iPad App made it possible to motivate, excite, and engage each student at their own level of learning with a variety of reading activities at their fingertips. When I heard repeatedly phrases from the students such as "AGAIN!!" when they sounded out and read words, and "I love this" from students who were otherwise very quiet and shy, and "this is so cool" from the student who was not interested in reading up to this point, I am now a believer!!! I have always been and still feel strongly about providing actual books for the students to learn how to read. However, the student's reaction, success, and enthusiasm became the driving force that inspired my desire to search for ways to integrate technology and iPads into our classroom.
My Project
Although I will continue to bring my personal iPad into the classroom for the students to use, I hope to have a classroom iPad to add to our room this year. By adding an iPad into our classroom it will allow more students to be engaged and enthusiastic about reading, writing, math and more. There are quiet a few educational Apps that I hope to introduce to the class this year. This technology will allow my students to develop the necessary reading, writing, and math skills at their own level and stay up with technology and 21st century learning.
I hope you will consider donating to our classroom project.
The students are charting our progress using a thermometer that rises as our donations grow. They are as committed to this dream as I am. I hope to show them that "dreams do come true".
Special thanks to my sister who got me hooked on the iPad and to my husband who understands the anniversary present has not gone missing. It just has a new home.
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