I teach Gifted and Talented enrichment classes for four different schools, in the grades kindergarten through fifth.
Some of my students are non-English speakers, but their love for learning is apparent.
My classes consist of diverse learners from various socioeconomic statuses. Some of my students are from low-performing schools and are very excited about their enrichment class, where we can do hands-on activities in addition to the monotone intervention and repetition that usually takes place. This is usually the only time where they are asked to be creative and develop their talents.
My students do not always come from homes where they are told that their future is bright and they can become anything they choose. It is my mission to educate them about all the possibilities that await them and to nurture their talents.
My Project
Technology is critical for innovation, yet schools struggle to get students interested in this area. Could teaching robotics change this? This question launched our current project. Pushed out of my comfort zone I have started a Robotics Project with my 3 graders.
I was inspired by the First LEGO League project and my students thirst of wanting to join the Wonder League Robotics Competition.
This is their first experience with Coding and they are having a blast. We currently own a couple of the Dot and Dash for our group of 22 students and they are very good at sharing but I feel like their learning is limited because of the lack of robots and technology. The students have also expressed an interest in creating a robotics club that will meet in addition to the 1 hour of week of enrichment they currently get. The additional robots and tablets would make this wish become a reality. My students would have fun while channeling their competitive instincts, programming would become less abstract as they would have robots to physically control and seeing what goes wrong they will learn what a robot can and can't do. Programming Dash and Cue using the kindle tablets will allow my students to discover if they have the aptitude and interest in a job market of the future. These resources will demystify a complex technology.
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. Stanley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
