My 23 6th grade English Language Learners have immigrated to Brooklyn, NY from all around the globe. Some of them are refugees, and many of them are illiterate or have only basic literacy in their first languages. 98% of our students are eligible for reduced-price or free lunch.
These Haitian, Mexican, Uzbek, Dominican, Pakistani, Chinese, Guinean, Bengali, Nepali, Georgian, and Albanian young Americans are lively and eager to learn. Each child brings rich experiences and background knowledge to our classroom, but it can be challenging to keep them engaged in the hard work of learning to read, write, and speak English. However, they just love working with technology! The integration of podcasting, web page design, and blogging into our language arts curriculum will make these students feel empowered, capable, and engaged in their work. There are several specific ways that we would use our wonderful new laptop throughout the school year.
Podcasting: Every year my students research and write nonfiction reports on a country they know little about. We will use the GarageBand software that comes with this MacBook to record the students' reports with music and sound effects and post them on the Internet.
Class Web Page: We will use the web page design software on this MacBook to create a class web page. The students will then be able to post messages on the class blog, check on homework assignments, and view photos of field trips, projects, and posted written work. Parents will also be able to view the sight to communicate with me.
PowerPoint Presentations: Our 6th grade has a great projector that can be connected to this laptop, adding technology and excitement to otherwise dull grammar and editing lessons.
I cannot stress enough what this technology component will do for my students' self esteem and engagement in learning English. In this era of iPods and cell phones, my students are not impressed with the ancient, slow desktops provided in our school's computer labs. Your generous gift will provide us with a tool that will truly impact my students' lives for years to come. Thank you!
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
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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. Bengtson Mendoza and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.