A Clearer Picture

Funded May 1, 2021

Teaching remotely was a challenge. Reading books aloud to my class of 30 Kindergarten children was an even greater challenge. They pinned me on their screen to see the pictures as I was holding the book, but it was not a great experience for them. As soon as I received the document camera (Okiocam T) that you so graciously donated, the children were extremely happy. There were times when I forgot to use it while reading to them and they asked if I could use the "camera". They knew it made a difference when listening to the story. They were able to see the pictures better and even follow along to read.

I was able to use the document camera to teach reading strategies, math, science. Everything was clearer for the children and it made it easier for me to place math manipulatives on the mat instead of trying so hard to hold onto the cubes and show them addition and subtraction, pattern blocks and how to use them to make different shapes. (Imagine trying to hold onto 6 triangles in your hand to make a hexagon and not dropping it while showing it to them through the laptop!)

When teaching reading strategies, they were again able to see rhymes and how they change, just by changing the first letter. They saw how I point under the words or cover part of a word to sound out unknown words. The document camera was a visual tool that helped visual learners.

The multi-colored pens I used helped me assess children at different times so that I could see their growth over time.

This year now that we are back in the building, I found myself using it again. As we are spaced apart, children in the back of the room cannot see the pictures in the books I read. So, the Okiocam T came in handy. They love that they can see the pictures!

Thank you so much for your support of our little Kindergartners! I know I will continue to use this life changing tool!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Hom