My classroom is full of amazing students with a variety of special needs. The iPad is a powerful learning tool that can enhance learning for struggling and gifted students alike. It can be adapted to meet the needs of each child and open doors to greater learning for all. My students need four iPads with protective covers.
My 2nd grade students are a diverse group of students working at a variety of different levels.
Each year I have a number of students with special needs who are happy to be in the general education classroom. Some of my students are working well beyond grade level and others are struggling with basic phonics and number sense. There are 32 languages represented at our school, and so we have a large English Language Learner population. These students often start the year with little or no English.
My class is a wonderful mix of 30 youngsters who walk through the door with one thing in common. They all get excited about learning when it is engaging and individually challenging. They are especially motivated by technology and all that it has to offer.
My Project
My class has computer lab once a week for thirty minutes. Our school does not have rolling carts with computers or iPads, so the thirty minute per week lab time is the only exposure to technology my students receive. With the diversity of skills and abilities amongst my thirty students, meeting the needs of each student is challenging. With four iPads, I will be able to create individualized learning centers specific to the needs of each student.
Imagine walking into my classroom and finding 4 different iPad centers being utilized. In one center is an ELL student who is learning basic English words. In another center is a child practicing basic math facts. At the third center is a student who is working on advanced word problems in order to be challenged and pushed beyond the core curriculum. Finally, the last iPad center has four students working collaboratively on a vocabulary slide show to share with the class. All of these students are having their individual needs met.
Having access to four iPads within my classroom will open the door to incredible possibilities for individualized learning.
The iPad is a powerful learning tool, especially for students who have special needs. It comes with a screen reader, closed-captioning, and other accessibility features. With the help of the "Chevron Fuel Your School Program" and other generous donors, I am hoping to transform my classroom and further engage my students with the excitement of learning through technology.
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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. Browning and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.