Past projects 4
Help Me Speak, Through the Use of Technology!
Funded May 28, 2017My students absolutely love their tablets and the laptop! I have English as New language students, and they have a hard time keeping up in class. Usually, I pair students who speak the ENL student's language, translate for them, which can take up time. With the help of the technology, our students are able to immediately receive the assistance they need. They can translate any unknown word and find its definition.
The most exciting thing for them is the speaker component which types what they say in Spanish and then translates it into English. It helps them communicate with their fellow native English speakers, define new words in English and then translate to Spanish, view a quick video, and most of all, make them feel apart of the class. They love using programs such as BrainPOP ESL and NEWSELA. My students want to learn but don't want to bother their classmates for help.
One of the most touching things is that I have a student from the Dominican Republic who did not attend school for 3 years. He was a behavior problem when he arrived late into the school year, last year. He did not do any classwork, and could not read in Spanish or English. The one thing he did like to do was play on the computer. This was the student that I had in mind when applying for Donors Choose. After a few weeks of this student using the tablets, he began to participate in class! He is writing his thoughts and ideas down, with the help of the tablet. Remember, this is a student who did not want to participate in any subject. He now enjoys coming to my class.
I truly appreciate these tablets and laptop. In a few weeks, I have very happy, productive and confident ENL students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gilbert
Help Us Practice Our English Skills!
Funded Dec 30, 2014My class and I would like to thank you both for your amazing and much needed gift! My students have so many needs as they enter this new country and meet new friends. They have a hard time communicating, but with your gift, things will become a little easier for them.
When my students saw the brand new books, they were astonished. Some even cried because these are the first new books that we have received this school year and they were able to write in them. The children were ready to start working in them the moment they arrived. I create lessons around the books and tailor the lessons to each student's need. I am also able to let them take the books home so that they can complete homework assignments and they also use the books for independent work.
I have seen amazing results by using these books especially in their basic writing and math skills. The books arrived at the appropriate time because I was able to help prep the students for the NY State ELA & Math exams. After the exams, my students said that the books really helped them and made the test seem easy.
Again, thank you! I have additional books that I will be able to use for the next school year and at least one more year after. You have no idea, how much the students appreciate these books.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gilbert
Help Us Practice Our Handwriting
Funded Dec 11, 2012My class and I would like to take this time to thank-you for your wonderful gift! During this day and age when high stakes testing is the main focus of schooling, our children lose out on the basic needs in school...handwriting.
Most of my students come from Mexico or the Dominican Republic and have difficulty with their handwriting skills. We do not have practice books for them to practice their handwriting. My students have enjoyed the books, especially the cursive books.
Lastly, these books have been instrumental in the culture of the classroom. The students have been helping each other hold their pencils and making loops. It's funny because these books have made some of my students mini-teachers. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gilbert
Audio Books for ESL Students
Funded Jul 6, 2012My students and I would like to thank you for the amazing audiobooks that we received. These resources are on grade level, unlike most of the books that my classroom contains. My students are now allowed to hear as we'll as read books like their native English speaking peers.
These audiobooks will not only be used for my class, but for my future English Language Learners. My students are so excited to have new books that are of interest other. My beginning ESL students are also happy that they can follow along,while the more advanced students read aloud.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gilbert