You never hear the words "What should I do next?" in this classroom of 33 gifted learners. More often the words "Can I do ____ next" echoes off our walls. The class is full of motivated learners, eager for the next step. It is the epicenter of inquiry and an exciting place to learn and teach.
The school is housed in the center of a uniquely multicultural neighborhood in Chicago.
My students are an eclectic mix of gifted learners who come from highly diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
Individually, they are each such fascinating and surprising children. They each possess a unique set of interests, skills, experiences and talents. These students demonstrate willingness to allow their individuality to guide their learning. They also are unafraid to take risks with their learning experience, always operating at the edge of their comfort zone, willing to express their knowledge in new and exciting ways.
Together, the 33 individual students come together to construct a dynamic learning mosaic, full of inquiry and wonder. They are unafraid to ask the next question and possess the perseverance to succeed in answering those questions. The classroom becomes the most exciting environment to be for the students and their teacher.
My Project
Each student possesses a unique set of talents, interests, challenges, strengths, experiences and skills. As a teacher, I strive to identify those individualities and provide experiences specially designed to enrich the students in a highly personalized manner. This is done through continual assessment of academic, social and personal understandings. In the classroom, we use inquiry-based and project-based learning experiences to accommodate all students.
To that end, we are creating a Digital Imaging Center. Having an APS-C sensor camera will allow students to capture striking images that contain more dynamic color and detail. It allows for the capturing of still imagery and also possesses the ability to capture "film quality" video. The camera and laser printer will be used to enhance our inquiry and project-based learning experiences in many ways.
These tools in the hands of 33 creative thinkers will lead to truly amazing things. I can't wait to see what they come up with.
The camera and laser printer will provide the students rich and exciting learning experiences.
They will allow for alternative expression of knowledge, skill and talent.
Putting powerful tools into the hands of 33 gifted learners is a beginning full of promise. It is impossible, yet exciting to imagine what they will do with unbridled creativity. Who knows what learning moments these tools will capture? Especially, through the creative young eyes of students. The work to be done is inspiring.
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 Mr. Crame and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
