"I can do this!" These were the words a student exclaimed last year when she did her work on the SMARTboard in front of the entire class. Witnessing the joy that an 8th grade student experiences from using a tool for the first time is thrilling as a teacher. Our school serves students in grades 6-8 and provides rigorous academics, fantastic teachers and a safe learning environment. As a result, we are consistently one of the top-performing middle schools in the state every year. Our goal is to prepare our students for success in high school and college.
My students consist of 25 students with special needs that range from learning disabilities to speech and language impairments.
They are hardworking and require a hands-on learning experience for success. The more the students can get involved in a lesson, the better they are at achieving their goals.
My Project
Having a laptop to connect to our SMARTboard will allow for different structures of learning in my classroom. One way it will be used is to allow students to come to the front of the room and display their work and ideas. Right now we use the SMARTboard as a screen to just display the lesson. Another way it will be used is to record student grades and attendance in order for the students to be updated and aware of how they are doing in class. I could download apps for various math practice skills for a math center, which would allow me to have activities for both my highest performing and most struggling students when they complete group work.
My project will make a difference because these are struggling math students that need something to grab their attention and get them involved.
Our classrooms are not yet at the level technologically to meet their needs as learners. This grant will help to close that gap just a little bit 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 Mrs. Kalicki and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
