Tannucilli's Tech

Funded Sep 7, 2018

I'd like to start off by saying how truly thankful all of my students are for your generous donations that helped us get these new iPads for our math classroom. As a teacher, getting students to want to do work is not always an easy task, especially when it comes to math. These iPads have ramped up the level of engagement to one I have never experienced. I have students coming to me on a Friday afternoon (and for those of you that aren't aware, Friday afternoons in 5th grade are....interesting), literally jumping up and down, asking if they can get to use the iPads in class that day. Their excitement makes me excited!

Let me tell you why they are so excited. First, it is a break from normal routine. We all look forward to that! Second, it gives them a time to branch out a bit. They get the chance to do some math research and play math games. Yes, they play games, but ONLY math games. And these math games align with our curriculum and standards, plus the data from these games goes directly to me so I can see what our areas of strength are and what we all need to work on as a class. All of this data helps me revise my planning and instruction, and the kids don't have to sit and take a pencil and paper test to give me this data. Sounds like a win-win!

Lastly, I just wanted to let you know about a particular way that these iPads have helped my students grow. I have a select number of children that NEVER want to participate in class. Being a 5th grade teacher for almost 10 years, I understand the pressures of being the age that they are. They don't like to participate for fear they will get the answer wrong, they don't like the attention on them, etc. By putting the iPads in the hands of these children, I get to see them at their best, but without them feeling the pressure of the attention and fear of a wrong answer. The iPad proves to be a safe environment for these students and gives them an outlet to shine.

Again, we all want to thank you for your generosity. Your acts of kindness have helped us learn to love math just a little more!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Tannucilli