This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
Young kids love seeing themselves in photos. They suddenly become little chatter boxes. My students' language delays often impair their ability to talk about their school day, but with visual supports their world suddenly opens up.
My students range in age from 3 to 5.
For many of them this is their first time in school, the first time away from their parents. They attend a public elementary school for the same hours as the other students. They love school and look forward to the adventures that await them. But school also presents many challenges. They all have special needs most often in the areas of language and social development. Expressing themselves and communicating with others is often hard and frustrating. Making friends and understanding social situations is confusing. But I am constantly amazed by their determination. With my guidance and support they open up within months, sometimes weeks. The secret to our success-if you want it, you must talk. We will accept any attempt to verbalize and we will supplement attempts with pictures and photos. I have discovered that photos of themselves in action are the biggest motivators to communicate, to explain directions, and to open up their world.
My Project
I have used a digital camera for many years now. It sits on my desk charged and always ready to go. I use photos of the students to develop unique classroom books, make behavior charts and incentives, and as presents for their parents. So if photos are motivating what about video? I am requesting a flip camera and tripod so that I can take video of their day. The features of this camera will allow me to take it everywhere and easily store it on my desk so I can capture their candid moments and greatest achievements. Research states that video is also successful at teaching social skills particularly when the students are the main actors. I can also use the video to enhance lessons by showing them role playing stories, experiencing field trips, and singing songs. Being able to share the video with parents will provide another avenue of learning.
I think that this project can be an important link between home and school.
It can help answer the question, "What did you do at school today?" Instead of shrugging their shoulders, they will have something to show their parents and to talk about. I can already hear them saying, "THAT'S ME!"
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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. White and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
