My students need a mini iPad to increase engagement, learning & become technologically savvy in a competitive global economy. Kindergarten is where we start!
Teaching literacy through technology will equip students with tools to be competitive in a global economy.
Our kindergarten class just finished learning about the importance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and the power and influence of his words on the world. My children clung to the sides of their seats as they listened about how their words could make a difference - the lasting impact of words instead of violence. I could see dreams being born that day.
These dreams are just that on the first day of school. Speeches like this take planning and strong literacy skills. Handing a kindergartner a pen and telling them to write would be like asking a football player to put on a bathing suit and swim a mile. The truth is, the bulky and large stature of a football player would slow down a swimmer. One strength is not necessarily another.
My Project
Literacy requires the strengthening of fine motor skills and the use of technology. The majority of books used in our classroom are e-books. The Internet and technology, such as the iPad, has expanded our ability to reach students and increased the academic achievement gap simultaneously.
Not all children have access to this technology or may not be able to access computers and typing programs until much older. My school has 60% free and reduced lunch, and access to many of these resources are a luxury. Becoming literate in reading and writing is just as important as becoming technologically literate. Modern testing requires students understand more advanced computer tools.
My four ESL students and all children will benefit from the developmentally appropriate, play-based environment an ipad mini provides. Children will have differentiated literacy learning. Play-based learning is essential to evoke imagination and "hook," children on learning early in their academic careers.
Technology increases engagement levels of my classroom learners because it relates to their world and schema.
Access to literacy games, ability to video and publish, write and see interactive content would give my students a head start in an increasingly competitive global economy. I believe each of my children have the capacity to be influential leaders through the use of technology and the impact of their words.
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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. Fyhrie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.