Dr. Seuss says it best when he says, "The more that you read the more things you will know. The more you learn the more places you'll go." I cannot imagine not being able to read. I have students who are 3-4 grade levels below in their reading level.
My students come from economically disadvantaged homes.
Because of the poverty level in our school district, every student qualifies for free lunches. We are one of the poorest school districts in our state. I am one of two emotional support teachers in our building. We teach mostly third through fifth grade students. Most of these students are very challenging with multiple behavior problems. Most days are a struggle to get them to complete the work that is required. Most are not on grade level academically. I am looking for ways to assist them with their learning so they do not get as frustrated with the work. According to our state report from 2012-13, my school district had on of the highest drop rates with 5.47%. I see some of my students future, if they do not get the help now in elementary school, they could be one those statistics.
My Project
I'm hoping by having a few laptops available on a daily basis in my classroom, the students will be able to use various programs to help them throughout the day. I have 3 students who are on a kindergarten reading level. There are programs available to help assist them with their reading skills. I would like to use a program like Word, or a speech to type program, to help these students during language arts and writing workshops. I'm hoping with the assistance of the laptops, my students will become less frustrated with their academics and be able to control their emotions so they can learn. When they are frustrated their behaviors impede their learning.
Some of my students have intense behavior issues that I fear will lead them to drop out or end up in an alternative education program.
I'm hoping by using the laptops to increase their skills, that I can help them not end up like that. I am hoping they will have a positive middle and high school experience if I can help them catch up to where they can succeed. I want to know that I did all I could to help these students.
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