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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Alexander from Chicago, IL is requesting technology through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Photography: Raising the Achievement of Struggling Readers!

My students need a Professional Digital Camera, Lights, and Tripod.

FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Alexander's classroom raised $934

This project is fully funded

My Students

As a Literacy and Drama Teacher, I have learned that not all students learn to read through rote memory or through repeated readings of the same text. However, my struggling readers are visual and hands-on learners. They engage in reading through storytelling that provides imagery and interaction.

Did you know that struggling readers are often great story tellers?

Words may be difficult for them, but images are powerful! Through photography, my students will learn 21st century artistic skills as well as learn to read according to their individual learning styles. I am fortunate to teach in an area where students are unsung heroes. Most students are able to enjoy "being a kid"; however, my students think mostly of survival as they reside in a community which struggles with social ills associated with poverty, high-crime, gang-infestation, illiteracy and homelessness. Nevertheless, my students beat the odds and attend school to find solace in a nurturing and academic-focused environment. In addition to regular school attendance, my students are high achievers and take pride in their learning. My background in the arts is a talent I wish to share with my students and deliver reading instruction in a unique way that provides them with a medium to express their learning visually.

My Project

The resources selected, a Cannon Digital Camera with accessories (lens, tripod, media card) will be used for students to take snapshots of their world. It also supports their visual and hands-on learning styles. Students will not only learn how to engage in visual literacy, but create literary pieces that will enhance their reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills. The Polaroid Pro Table Top Photo Studio Kit and Photography Photo Portrait Studio lights will be used to brighten the room and the varied-colored backdrops can be used to dramatically change the background of scenes. My classroom has fluorescent lights that takes away from picture quality; therefore, professional lights are needed. Also, in the Winter, it becomes dark when school lets out and the lights will be used to enhance night scenes. The Protection Plan is to ensure the camera's safety as it will be used by multiple students.

"The arts are an essential part of every child's education.

In order for young people to be competitive academically and in the 21st century work force, they must have critical and creative thinking skills & these skills are nurtured and advanced by the arts" is a profound statement from a previous donor. It supports the fact that art (photography, literacy and digital skills) helps visual learners navigate not only text, but the world!

Project tagged as

Chicago, IL
Grades 3-5
Literacy
Visual Arts
Traditional School
Technology
Nearly all students from low‑income households

Ms. Alexander Oglesby Elementary School Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Chicago, IL View local requests

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

60 students impacted 15donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Materials Cost Quantity Total

Canon EOS Rebel T5 18MP EF-S Digital SLR Camera USA warranty with canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS [Image Stabilizer] II Zoom Lens & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Telephoto Zoom Lens + 58mm 2x Professional Lens +High Definition 58mm Wide Angle Lens + Auto Power Flash + UV Filter Kit with 24GB Complete Deluxe Accessory Bundle • Amazon Business $549.95 1 $549.95

3 Year Camera Accident Protection Plan ($500-600) • Amazon Business $62.99 1 $62.99

Polaroid Pro Table Top Photo Studio Kit with 2 LED Lights, 2 Light Stands, 1 Tripod, 4 Color Backdrops, 3 Diffuser Screens, 1 Carry Bag • Amazon Business $89.99 1 $89.99

Photography Photo Portrait Studio 600W Day Light Umbrella Continuous Lighting Kit by LimoStudio LMS103 • Amazon Business $49.50 1 $49.50

Materials cost			$752.43
Vendor shipping charges			FREE
Sales tax			$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee			$11.29
Fulfillment labor & materials			$30.00
Total project cost			$793.72
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$140.07
Total project goal			$933.79
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$933.79
7 Donors			-$513.20
Donations toward project cost			-$496.22
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$16.98
Matching donations from our partners			-$350.00
Match offers toward project cost			-$297.50
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$52.50
Excluded support for DonorsChoose			-$70.59
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

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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. Alexander and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

This teacher needs your help!

Photography: Raising the Achievement of Struggling Readers!

This project is fully funded

My Students

My Project

Project tagged as

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

Equity Focus

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Give the most requested basic supplies

Give back to your community

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.