My students need Boogie Board tablets and accessories to assist with following directions, note taking, and work completion. They are a portable, low-tech way to help students succeed!
I was once asked to think of a song that reflected my jo. I chose Harry Nilsson's "Everybody's Talkin'". He hauntingly sang, "Everybody's talking at me/ I don't hear a word they're sayin'/ Only the echoes of my mind..." That's daily life for a student with a learning disability in the classroom.
I am a Speech and Language Pathologist working in a small elementary school in New Hampshire.
My caseload currently includes 53 vibrant and amazing children, ranging from 5 - 12 years old. On any day, the thing I hear most often is, "Wait. What am I supposed to do again?" Students with language processing needs have a hard time following directions, remembering steps of assignments, or organizing themselves to start their work. Some have memory weaknesses that limit their ability to retain information. Others have yet to fully develop understanding of conceptual words like "First", "Next", "Before", and "After". So you can see why a teacher's direction like, "Get your your green folders, take out last night's homework, and then correct the odd numbers between 5-15" could be stymieing for the kids I know. Each of them wants to succeed. They're motivated and engaged. It's not a matter of don't want to; it's a matter of can't do. It's my job to teach them how and show them they can!
My Project
I envision students using the Boogie Boards I requested in many ways. Primarily, I see them as quick, reusable frontal lobes! Teachers or helpers can jot down steps to assignments, or draw three quick images to support a step-by-step task. For example, I work with a Kindergartener who is overwhelmed by classroom language. His aide could draw a crayon, scissors, and glue on the Boogie Board, helping him to understand that first he colors the paper, then he cuts it out, and last he glues it down. These activities usually have him frustrated to the point of tears, and teachers are often at a loss on how to support him. For older kids, I imagine the Boogie Board being used to help with early note taking or pre-planning a writing assignment. For my fourth grade student who stutters mightily during whole class speaking tasks, the Boogie Board can be used for jotting down his daily "share" so he does not panic about what to say when it's his turn to speak before the group. Endless possibilities!
I feel with the Boogie Boards I can support the students I work with, as well as their teachers.
Empowering children to feel successful in the classroom is critical. If this tool can help build listening skills, foster independence, and build confidence, then they are on the way to becoming more capable learners. I see this as a tool to help reduce the demands of language and memory for youngsters with learning challenges, language needs, and Autism.
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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. Leone and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.