This may not sound desperate to you but we are in dire straights. We use technology for much of our work but find that we still need the ol' tried and true pencil. Students in the computer lab need a pencil to jot down ideas, make graphic organizers and draw sketches. We need a pencil sharpener.
My students live in an inner city neighborhood of a major city.
They attend their neighborhood elementary school. Their school is a haven. It was recently built and is a wonderful facility. It has a library full of books and a computer lab. Most of the kids do not have computers to use at home. We're fortunate that our school can provide this missing component. When the school first opened it's doors seven years ago students did not even know how to login to a computer. Today they make web pages, create animated movies and make documentaries. This is due in large part to access to the equipment along with their enthusiasm towards using it. As proficient as they have become at using technology, they still need to take time to plan with their group and brainstorm ways to best deliver their ideas.
My Project
Students at the school use technology for productivity and creativity. They use web 2.0 tools to show and share what they learn. This takes planning on the students' part. Often children get in groups or pairs to share ideas and plan ways to illustrate their ideas. Students need pencils and a pencil sharpener to use in the lab. Believe it or not, students do not bring a pencil. The reason is that if they leave out of the lab without their pencil, they come back to track it down. Pencils are a high commodity at school. Pencils and an electronic pencil sharpener will provide students with a way to plan out their work before they begin on the computer.
I know this sounds crazy to hear that our school has computers and we need pencils and a pencil sharpener.
However, it is true. A fast working and quiet pencil sharpener is what our students need to get their ideas down on paper and create and expand them on the computer. Thank you for your consideration.
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. Maloney and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.