Help me give my students a loud voice a Q-Ball, an adaptable way to complete their work with the use of standing desks, and instant information to unplanned questions by using an Echo Dot!
I have the best students ever! I teach 2 classes of students in the wonders of science and math. Every day my students come into my classroom ready to learn. Sure, they are chatty and sometimes need reminders to get back to their work, but our discussions about science are out of this world! Their ideas for solving math problems are creative and inventive!
The best thing about my students is how eager they are to learn and how they are always asking questions about the day's topic!
They have this crazy excitement to be creative with how they learn, how they complete their work, and how they can support each other. Our math discussions involve a lot of the students teaching other students how they solved the problem as well as helping another student find their mistake in a problem. Our science discussions bring up new vocabulary that takes us to another learning level. Its a win-win situation!
My Project
My project covers three needs in my classroom - adjustable work areas, immediate access to information to enhance their learning, and technology that will put the fun back into participation.
One of the biggest obstacles faced in the classroom is keeping students involved in their learning.
When students are comfortable, they are focused. Some of my students find that standing is more comfortable than sitting. I allow them to stand whenever they wish, but they are having to still lean over to reach their desks. Having the adjustable desks will allow those students to concentrate on their work without the discomfort.
The best part of our lessons are when the students take over. My students love to expand the lesson through discussions, ideas, and suggestions. However, we are an outside classroom and our voices have to compete with roofing projects in the neighborhood, noisy heaters, and screams of fun from other classes enjoying their recess time. Often I am asking students to speak up to be heard. The Qball is the solution! This is a foam ball that has a microphone inside to project the students' voices to a wireless speaker. No more repeating answers or ideas.
Last is a recent request from my students. We were discussing the digestive system and someone asked about the size of the large intestine. I had to stop the lesson to go to my computer to 'google' the answer. I wanted the students to have the information they desired, but it took a moment for my computer to go back online and for me to type and search for the answer. The response from my students to my frustration was, "We need to ask Alexa!" Of course I agreed - instant answers!
More than a third of 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. Chilcote and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
