This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I currently teach Spanish levels I and III at an urban high school. Like most urban schools, funding is a serious problem. When I started teaching, teachers had classroom budgets but all of this money is gone.
This project will ensure that my students get adequate attention each day. The items in this grant will also be available to my nine department colleagues.
Most universities require two years of foreign language. Students who successfully take four years often are accepted at top universities. If I were able to give more individualized attention, it could help with retention.
It is not unusual in my school to have classes of 40. It is hard to facilitate participation with so many students. Listening and speaking activities are critical in learning a language and I need to be able to get constant feedback from my students.
Dry erase boards and markers are fantastic for all size classes. When teaching numbers to students, I can call out a number and they write down the answers and hold up the board. The same can be done with verb conjugation. We can reinforce vocabulary by creating instant flashcards. Even better, I call students up to lead the class and call out the prompts themselves.
Students love the wipe boards and take good care of them. Students often suggest using boards for different grammar and writing activities. They are great for fun review games. Every morning the students do a warm-up. They can write their answers down and then simply hold it up so I know that they have participated. The applications in the classroom are endless!
Your donation would make it possible to give every single student in my classes the opportunity to participate multiple times every day. Normally with 35 students and 52 minutes, students maybe get called on once or twice an hour. I want to ensure that all students have an equal chance to learn and participate.
We are fortunate to be at a diverse school with enthusiastic students. As a veteran teacher, I know that small enhancements like these wipe boards can create a more creative, engaged and interactive classroom. Any assistance you give will be appreciated and remembered.
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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. Hardy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.