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.
My Students
Teaching students to be physically active is more than just giving instructions and equipment and watching them work. Students need to know sequences that for some students, can be hard to vision or remember without a visual aid via slide show or short video of the skill or even themselves.
Our school is a publicly funded Montessori magnet school.
Our students apply and are selected via a lottery system. Our student population is very diverse in both ethnicity and socioeconomic status. However, when they walk in the door, all are treated equally. Our students are good friends who look out for one another, whether in kindergarten or fifth grade.
I have been able to offer the students a variety of activities, adding what I can when money is available. I have also purchased and/or built materials to enhance our program. However, the students deserve so much more. They deserve to have the latest technology we can provide, age-appropriate equipment, and a PE program that builds character, self-esteem, and responsibility towards themselves and others.
Our gym is a very old gym, at least 75 years old with few updates over the years. The acoustics in the gym are quite bad and can be distracting to learning.
My Project
Physical Education is changing every day for the better. No longer is it a class where balls are distributed to students who then go "play." Instead, we integrate science, literature, math, and social studies into the lessons all while we encourage regular physical activity.
Students love technology. If it is put on a screen, the students will watch. Why not watch themselves, or me, for a change of pace? Hooking a student is "half the battle." Using the projector will help me meet the students where they are. Now that I have their attention, let the learning begin.
All students are not created equally. For some, physical activity comes more naturally. However, there are many who struggle with the cognitive concepts and sequencing in order to be successful. By using an LCD projector, I can differentiate my instruction, which will allow me to reach every student, not just the "athletes." My goal is for ALL students to participate and enjoy physical activity for a lifetime.
There are many technological opportunities out there that can be used right now to impact my students at any age or grade level.
It is imperative that I teach them to live in a 21st century world. Physical Education and Health will stay with them for a lifetime. Using the LCD projector will aid in the presentation by allowing all my students to "see" the lesson. This will also provide an avenue for self assessment and reflection, providing a rich learning experience for all.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mr. Carroll and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.