Past projects 2
A Picture Is Worth a 1,000 English Words
Funded Nov 30, 2022My classroom is very technology rich environment. Each student has a personal Chromebook computer, that serves almost as a replacement to actual textbooks. On these computers, students use a wide range of applications such as the Google Suite, Flip Grid, iReady, and Imagine Learning. Chalkboards have been replaced by 80-inch Mimio boards which function the same as a touch screen computer on the wall. Having technology such as the document camera I received on this project helps to fully embrace this technology. Opposed to standing in front of the board and walking around to each desk so students can see models, this camera allows me to show the unobstructed view of my demonstrations such as science experiments, interactive notebooks, and solving math problems. Students also use this camera for sharing out with their peers during presentations.
My students were most excited about our new Epson Ecotank color printer. I serve English language learners (ELLs). For this population, providing rich color images is an essential tool used in acquiring the English language. Students are able to have a visual representation of unfamiliar words, which helps them to commit new words to their vocabulary. Copies of imagines were made for students to glue into their personal interactive notebooks as a reference tool. Students had access to this printer for class projects such as the social studies and science fair. In addition to printing their essays, students printed colored photos and images to go on their trifold boards.
Students in my Before School ESOL Tutorial class, have especially warmed to the new printer and document camera. In before school remediation we focus on the four language domains: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The document camera allows the students to switch roles with me and model concepts for the class, while working on their spoken English language. Students are able to see themselves on the main board and even record themselves for their learning portfolio. The students really enjoy this and it helps them get comfortable with speaking in front of people. Recently, my some of my students worked collaboratively to create an interactive bulletin boards to celebrate Asian Americana and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This bulletin boards highlighted all of my students from this ethnic background. Each month my students work with me to create bulletin boards that focus on one of the language domains. Our printer has been used greatly for these month projects.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClendon
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 8 other donors.Making Numbers Make Sense
Funded Aug 25, 2016My students were simply elated when the materials first arrived at our classroom! The materials arrived over a two-week span of time, so after the first package arrived students anxiously waited for the arrival of additional packages. My students took such great pride in assisting me with carrying the materials from the front of the school and walking them all the way to the back to our hallway. As we walked the hallways, the students we overjoyed when explaining to onlookers the contents of the boxes. It was like having Christmas in August. I allowed the students to open each box and immediately distribute the materials throughout the classroom. They we so fired up about the fact that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation had donated to our classroom, because they have learned some much about their accomplishments. They could not believe that donors had been so generous, although they had never met.
Every single one of our newly acquired resources are used on a daily basis, with the exception of one Bill Nye Science Guy: Genes DVD. We start each day with our School House Rock: Multiplication DVD, as a means to reinforce and fluently learn our multiplication facts. Each of my Tier III tables has two multiplication tablets, which are used to help navigate complex multi-digit multiplication and division problems. These multiplication tablets have helped tremendously, in respects to students not only learning their multiplication facts, but they have also helped them be more independent leaners, because they have these resources to rely on and self-assess themselves with. Students use their individual Hot Dot Pens when working during center time each day. Having three different levels of Hot Dot Curriculum sets allows me to differentiate student learning, ensuring that I meet them on their individual level. Various center activities have been created by our Make Your Own Hot Dot Kits, as well as, our colored printer. Our Hot Dot Pens are neatly stored in a plastic multi-drawer storage unit, so students can easily access them, which was also made possible by our donors. These resources filled an essential niche in our classroom and learning structure.
My class is currently preparing for a multiplication fact relay, which will begin January 2017 and run through March. I have begun using our colored printer to create an interactive bulletin board, which acknowledges student multiplication performance. The printer will also be used to create individualized student achievement certificates and booklets that allow students to practice each of the multiplication facts. Each booklet will be spiral bond and laminated for repeated use. The Make Your Own Kits will be used to create daily test prep question practice in preparation of the Georgia Milestone Test, which all third through fifth graders are required to take. My students have also begun the initial phases of their science fair projects and with the assistance of the colored printer, the students will be able to produce more eye catching and attractive displays for the competition.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. McClendon
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 8 other donors.