My students need two iPad minis to help increase reading fluency by recording and videotaping oral reading, and to keep student engagement and motivational levels in math high.
"Children must be taught how to think, not what to think." Margaret Mead~Students start their day with Math for 90 minutes, then reading for 120 minutes. After lunch, students have social studies and science. Our classroom has many opportunities for students to collaborate and work in small groups.
I have 26 students from a low income neighborhood.
Many of my students speak English as a second language. My school is a K-8 building with close to 1,000 students. We are a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) School. We call ourselves a STEAM school because we want ARTS to be included with Science, Technology, Engineering, and MATH. Our school has before and after school programs designed for helping students with homework and enriching their daily curriculum. We stress character traits such as, perseverance, communication, collaboration, compassion and honesty. Students are encouraged to learn in a hands on way, and are encouraged to work in partners or small groups as much as possible. Teachers provide much small group instruction to ensure meeting with and reaching every student, every day.
My Project
I have a classroom of 26 students from a low income neighborhood. Some do not have access to computers or ipads at home. iPads at school will give those students an opportunity to access modern technology, and use it strictly for educational purposes within the classroom. Students will use iPads for reading, math, and research in writing, science and social studies. I plan to have students record themselves reading aloud. This will help them to see their own fluency pace and to hear their own expression. iPads will also be used for those students who are unable to complete online math homework, due to not having internet at home. Students will use iPads to communicate with parents and other students on a classroom webpage designed by classroom teacher. Teacher plans to download some children's books weekly for students to read materials outside of the typical classroom reading series. Students also do a lot of expository non-fiction writing and can use iPad to find facts.
Students' lives will be enriched by having access to the iPad, and using it in a supervised way to research, read, and complete math assignments.
Students will be more motivated to learn. Some students who have difficulty sitting still and engaging in assignments are more likely to focus better using iPads. Students without technology at home will have an opportunity to increase their time using technology, and not get further behind their peers who have daily access at home.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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. McDonagh and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
