I am in my second year of teaching at a Title 1 school and my classroom is in a building that is pushing 80 years old...despite its lack of "shiny and new", my students still think our classroom is the best, most wonderful place. Their excitement and enthusiasm is what motivates me to continue working to actually make it the room they already think it is. They are blissfully unaware of what they don't have, which makes their reaction to new classroom additions all the more exciting! Their gratitude and enthusiasm is not only contagious, it is what drives me.
All of my students are loved, and for that I am SO grateful, but many come from households with financial limitations and burdens, for some of them, our classroom is their only access to basic school supplies and academic materials, making their time in our room all the more important.
My goal is to create an environment and space that they not only feel safe and comfortable, but where they are also excited to come to each day, a space that encourages creativity and imagination and sets the tone for active, engaged learning, a space my amazing students deserve!
My Project
Building relationships with my students is not only my favorite part of teaching, but it is also a crucial aspect in helping them learn and grow as students. The growing number of assessments we are required to do has made it more and more challenging to give my students the time they so desperately want and deserve. Our small town was devastated last August when Hurricane Harvey left hundreds without a home. Several of my students are still without a permanent residence, living with other families or in hotels and for these students especially, I need to be available and present.
A 2 in 1 laptop will give my students, their teacher back by allowing us to assess more quickly using digital assessments.
The portability of a 2 in 1 will also afford us some flexibility in where and how I assess, relieving some of the stress that these tests can cause my young students. An assessment that they can do on a tablet in one of our comfortable beanbag chairs would no doubt help them stay relaxed and focused. Having the digital results will not only save time (and sanity), it will also cut back on paper usage and school resources that are often in short supply.
In addition to time saving assessments, this laptop would also allow me to create resources for my students to use in small groups and stations. My class loves when I incorporate seasonal themes in our learning activities! With this laptop I will be able to make countless seasonal learning resources to keep my students excited and engaged!
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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. Gunn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
