DonorsChoose.org Funding ‘Jazzes Up’ Reece Academy Classroom

Sarah Richardson, prekindergarten and direct instruction teacher at Reece Academy, received a $500 grant from DonorsChoose.org for her project entitled “Help Us Jazz Up Our Workstations”.

Richardson’s English as a Second Language (ESL) classroom of 10 kindergartners and 12 prekindergarten students is very ethnically diverse with with several different native languages spoken.

In her project proposal, Richardson looked to fund the purchase of a Hot Dots Phonics Program and books on CD to engage students during their workstation periods in class.

“I wanted a system that would engage the students while making learning fun,” said Richardson. “This is a new type of electronic learning system that provides students with instant feedback about their learning.”

Hot Dots is a comprehensive readiness and phonics program. Each set of self-checking Hot Dots flash cards reinforces skills essential for reading success. The cards can also be used without the Power Pen as traditional flash cards. With the Hot Dots Power Pens in hand, phonics practice becomes a game children can play on their own or with adult guidance. The Hot Dots pen gives immediate feedback for correct or incorrect answer choices via flashing lights and sounds.

“This is really a fund way for the students who need extra practice or just to reinforce the skills learned in the classroom,” added Richardson.

Richardson is grateful to Southwest KIA Retailers and Chevron for funding her classroom project. And she is thankful to colleague Shirlanne Ramdass, iTech at the campus, for also supporting the project.

Sarah Richardson’s classroom at Reece Academy.