My students need board games, software, a palette center and headphones. They are kids with special needs but that does not mean that they can NOT do it, it means they need more HELP to do so!
Talk about No Child Left Behind, these are precisely the kids that are left behind. These children are already faced with enormous challenges and with a label that they will or cannot succeed, but MOST people tend to forget that even Einstein had challenges. We just need the right tools to help them.
My students come from a Title I school, which means that the poverty level is below and most get free lunch and they are given intensive support with the hopes that they will move along.
My students have different abilities yet they are at a slower, challenging rate compared to the "average" student. They tend to learn at a slower rate and their retention, if not grasped, must be consistent and constant.
Recently, I introduced board games to them which they took great joy from playing. The most enjoying factor to this is that they were learning and retaining because the board games, the challenges and the out of the box thinking/creativity and projects became an experience that they enjoyed to do. These kids learned skills that I was teaching through music and dance and then through games such as teacher vs. student. The game (depending on skill) and the transformation from "I can't" to the "Wow, look Ms. C, I did it!" It's an awesome feeling.
My Project
These materials start with my current students but are a continuing usage for my kids with needs. They do not learn like the "average" child. Their learning style varies yet capturing their attention through play and fun has always proven to be a tool plus, nowadays, technology is everywhere.
The materials I have requested, such as the computer software, will enhance their learning because it becomes so interactive. I also requested an audio component where they will be able to read along so it aides their visual and auditory, and actually captures their attention. I love the palette center I requested because although it is a game, it gives them the strategies they need, the self-check and the independence to complete these games. All the other board games are just what they are going to view it as. We are going to play but instead, they will be learning. See, everything I have requested is a hands-on tool for them! Giving them chances to succeed and be engaged.
These materials will give them more of what they need to succeed and in retaining and really learning.
These kids have special needs, yet they have to take the same test as everyone else and MUST pass it as well. I'm trying to make a difference and help them have a chance to really pass as I know they can. These kids will learn using the materials to strengthen their weaknesses in that area and perfecting the strong ones. They will have that chance to succeed, I just need YOUR help to make that happen.
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 Ms. C and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.