I am a 4th grade teacher, of all curricular areas. I have 33 very ethnically diverse students, some first generation immigrants to the US. Seventy-five percent of my class speak English as a second language. Our school houses 1,100 K-5th grade students, speaking 40 different languages. There are an average of 6 classes per grade, each housing 30+ students in each classroom. Our building was built in 1951 and technology in the classrooms remains as though it were still 1951.
With a building still stuck in the 1950's, it makes it extremely difficult to meet all learning modalities and special needs that each student requires to meet success academically and internally. As a teacher it is my job to provide specific ways for each student to learn as deeply as possible, without assuming one student's road map to learning is identical to anyone else.
Since what's challenging for one student may not be challenging for another, having choices is imperative for the learning process, allowing self-paced learning and more variety in the strategies used to engage my students. Examples of choice include decisions about seating, partners, and computer technology. My students will be able to use the computer, search for the designated topic, and then share it with the rest of the class, via a projector. My students want creative ways to show-what-they-know. This goes beyond pencil and paper tasks, helping my students demonstrate what they know.
Having a multimedia projector in our classroom will eliminate a tiny bit of the ongoing obstacle of learning faced by my students. With a laptop, I will engineer the projector and bring my children into a world of graphics, interactive lessons, and communication. Students will also leads lessons through the projector and teach each other.
Each learning style can be met with success as learning takes place daily. Children who do not understand English will still be able to learn and understand, children who have ADHD will have an easier time staying focused, and children who don't initially grasp the content during the lesson will be able to see and understand from a different perspective.
Donating a multimedia portable projector will make it possible for my 33 ten year old students to learn through different modes of learning. These children are faced with obstacles every day outside of school: is my uniform clean? will the bus be late? will someone be home when I get home? when will I see my mom/dad again? My classroom shouldn't be an obstacle too. School is a place where they go and dream of being successful. They CAN and WILL be successful when updated technology is available to provide a differentiated learning environment. School is a place - my classroom is a place where there are no worries. Your help can ensure this!
Nearly all 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. Gessner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
