This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
I have taught dance at my school for literally decades. I have been through many fads. My students are fascinated with the stories I tell them of the "good old days" of records which I still use in my class. But, I think it is finally time I joined the 21st century and used an iPod in my classroom.
I teach about 800 PreK to 5th grade students.
Although my students mostly come from immigrant homes with parents that struggle to make ends meet, they all know the new technology better than I. I teach dance in an elementary school in a high poverty area in the Bronx, NY. All of my students receive free lunch. Every child that I teach is eager to learn and experience new and exciting things. I envy their ability to be so open regarding innovations. Being an "older" person, I guess this ability is a bit stunted in me. I am a bit reluctant to lose the old ways that have always worked, and try something new. However, I have finally come to realize that change might be good. They might just have something there with this new fangled technology.
My Project
I would love to have a new iPod with speakers for my dance class. I have been told that I can store thousands of songs in it. My kids will no longer have to listen to the pops and hisses that we are used to with vinyl, nor wait while I sort through hundreds of CDs to find the right song for my lesson. I believe that I will have access to music that will motivate my students more than the old albums and CDs that I now use.
My students deserve every opportunity to make their lives easier and more fun.
In my class I try to give each of them the ability to learn a skill while enjoying the time spent. I believe your gifts of an iPod with the speakers that go with it will truly motivate students in a multitude of ways, from improving self-esteem to improving attendance. Even now, dance class is one no one ever wants to miss. Can you imagine how popular my class will be with music everyone wants to listen to!
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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Ms. Morganstern and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.