This year, I am teaching a third grade GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) class. The National Association for Gifted Children states that, “gifted individuals are those who demonstrate outstanding levels of aptitude or competence in one or more domains."
One myth regarding gifted students is that they don't generally need help - they will do fine on their own.
While these students have been given the gift of aptitude, they often find themselves bored or discouraged in the classroom. This can result in low achievement or unhealthy work habits.
My district is lucky to be able to meet the needs of some of these students in a GATE designated class. Here, the kids are able to challenge themselves through differentiated programs and autonomy. While it isn't perfect, we are striving everyday to ensure we support these kids as they learn, make mistakes, and grow.
My Project
We live in a world where choices are everywhere. We can choose which filter looks best on a digital photograph, what type of food we'd like to eat and from which app we'd like to order it, whether we'd like to shop in store on online this time, and so on. I'd like to create this kind of choice in my classroom library.
I'd like to stretch the limits of my classroom library.
Right now, students are limited by many things, whether it's our classroom funds, my personal book choices, or the simple fact that a book they want is already checked out.
With 5 Kindles, and Unlimited FreeTime, students will be able to browse titles they are interested in. They will be able to read the same book their friend is reading, or create book clubs with small groups, and more. The limits of my library will no longer keep students from finding "that book", that will help them on their path to lifelong reading.
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. Bradford and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.