My Students

My students love to read and learn, but sometimes it can be difficult keeping 20 kindergarten students engaged for the length of a school day. 

I work in a title one school. 

Most of my students receive free and reduced lunch.  In addition, my class is composed of ESOL and SLD which can often make it difficult to attend to every student's needs simultaneously.  The best thing about my students is their insatiable desire to learn.  They love to read and are very excited to become better readers.  I currently have two computers in my classroom and utilize them constantly.  I find that my students are rarely more focused than they are when they are learning on the computer.  Many of my students do not have the means to use technology to learn in their homes, despite its obvious benefit to their education.  Students are tested throughout the year via computer tests, which can be daunting for students that are underexposed to technology. 

My Project

With the introduction of the FSA testing, which is done on the computer, it has become apparent that technological familiarity is imperative to their success.  I believe that the earlier my students can incorporate technology into their everyday lives, the more likely they are to make significant contributions to our society of the future.  Students will use the tablets to complete lessons and read books.  In addition, students will become more acquainted with the FSA testing by completing practice tests.  I will be able to give students lessons that are designed for each individual students needs.  For example, ESOL and SLD students will be digesting the same material as the rest of the class, but lessons will be more easily accessible. 

The few ways I currently employ technology in my classroom are not enough to ensure their fluency. 

I have researched the best way to employ technology into the classroom and it is my opinion that tablets are the best and most cost effective method.  Acquiring 10 tablets (1 for every two students) would not only improve their chances of passing the FSA tests but also improve their career as a life-long learner.