Past projects 4
Blazing Trails of Understanding With Fraction Towers
Funded May 24, 2018Words cannot do justice for how thankful I am for your generosity. My students thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to engage with hands-on manipulatives when learning new math concepts. These fraction towers will allow them to develop abstract and quantitative reasoning, while at the same time createan opportunity to formulate and develop real-world situations in the classroom. In so doing, math takes on a much greater meaning.
In addition, I want to express my gratitude for the bluetooth speaker. This small piece of technology will help to enhance my students reading comprehension. The audible projection created by this bluetooth speaker serves two purposes. On one hand, listening to their own voices will improve their speech production. In addition, the serendipitous value in listening to their own voice is the much needed increase in confidence that must be developed in young students.
But with all that said, nothing matches the joy I receive when I see the look on my students' faces when I show them new equipment. My students do not have much. So when I am able to introduce them to something new I love it. They are great kids who just need a break. With all the problems in there lives I like to feel like I'm there for them always regardless of whether it's school, home, or life in general.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Beals
This classroom project was brought to life by PwC and 4 other donors.Building Language Barrier Bridges to Success!
Funded Jan 21, 2017I want to extend my appreciation for your kindness and compassion for this technology. No my ESOL students will be able to keep pace with their peers. These laptops will enable second language learners to take in information independently. With the integration of laptops, can take advantage of online programs that provide individualized instruction.
By learning to use technology in the classroom, English as a Second Language students develop skills necessary to help them become competitive in a dynamic society. Students will develop the critical thinking skills they will need to be successful. In many situations, ESOL students become susceptible to falling through the cracks of an over-burdened educational system that far too often lacks the resources to help these students find success. And as we all know, Education is no longer just about skill and drill but, solving complex problems.
Nothing is more heartwarming than to witness the smiles of enthusiasm each time one of my students assume control of their own educational future through the use of the laptop. Why just the other day, a student named Marisa approached me with her laptop in hand and a beaming smile on her face. "Mr. Beals, she stated, learning has become so much more fun now that I can use the laptop!" These special moments warm the heart of any teacher.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Beals
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 4 other donors.Computers Provide Pathways to the World
Funded Nov 29, 2016I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your benevolence and compassion for these wonderful laptops. Through your kindness, my ESOL students will now assume their rightful place on a pathway to academic excellence with their peers. Among the many aspects of learning these laptops will provide, foremost is that it enables students to learn at a pace that's comfortable for them. With the integration of laptops, students are less dependent on the teacher. Through the use of online programs, students have access to direct, individualized instruction from the computer.
Above all, technology helps to prepare students for the future. By learning to use technology in the classroom, English as a Second Language students develop skills necessary for the 21st century. In addition, students will develop the analytical thinking skills they will need to be successful. In many situations, ESOL students become susceptible to falling through the cracks of an over-burdened educational system that far too often lacks the financial and human resources to help these students find success. And as we all know, Education is no longer just about skill and drill but, solving complex problems.
Nothing is more heartwarming than to witness the smiles of enthusiasm each time one of my students assume control of their own educational orbit through the use of the laptop. Why just the other day, a student named Enrique approached me with his laptop in hand and a beaming smile on his face. "Mr. Beals, he stated, learning has become so much more fun now that I can use the laptop!" These special moments warm the heart of any teacher.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Beals
Connecting Through Chromebooks
Funded Jul 29, 2016Dear Donors,
Your gift in the form of 8 Dell Chromebooks is going a long way in enhancing the academic advancement of my students. First and foremost, this state of the art technology is providing my students with access to a variety of on-line math and reading sites. For instance, under common core, the reading and mathematical requirements for fifth graders tend to change very frequently and rapidly. As a result, within this rapidly changing environment, many of my students struggle to maintain competency. Through the use of the Chromebooks, the students now have access to on line teaching sites such as, Learnzillion, Compass Learning, and Ten Marks. These sites provide my students with a much needed resource that helps to substantiate the lessons they learn in class. In addition, this technology has created a portal to a whole new dimension of learning. Limited by the shortage of textbooks, my students now possess the ability to engage in a variety of different resource projects that cross the entire spectrum of learning.
Most exciting to my students is the ability to take part in specific aspects of learning that previously were not available to them. For instance, my students are now able to engage in state of the art media driven dimensions of instruction. As we speak, my students will begin to take part in power point and Google slide show presentations. These presentations will be research based and involve science, social studies and, for the first time, a service learning project. This service learning project will provide my students with an opportunity to engage in community involvement that will lead to the betterment of their local neighborhood. Overall, what this technology has done is leveled the instructional playing field for my students and given them the opportunity to engage in 21st century learning.
Especially heartwarming for me is to witness the joy that these Chromebooks have brought to students who, through no fault of their own, have suffered at the socioeconomic unfairness in the community in which they live. These students have rarely, if ever, been provided the opportunity to utilize a piece of technology. Just the sight of these machines combined with the student's anticipation of what can be accomplished does a great deal to lift their self-esteem. This emotional boost not only manifests itself in learning potential, but helps to provide my students with much needed hope.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Beals