Review of the three Donors Choose Applications

Critique of Better Than a View Finder
Mr.Boston does not do a very good job of explaining who his students are, he more discusses the school system and their accomplishments. He does not disclose what classes he teaches, only says that he is in the STEAM field. He does a very good job of describing what the ReTrak Utopia 360 can do, but does not apply it to his classroom. He does say that a science teacher could use it to show students the nervous system, but he does not say that he is going to be using it in that way. 
Critique of Lomax’s Library
Mrs.Lomax does an amazing job describing what she does and the students she teaches. She explains that her students are young and need extra help gaining knowledge and confidence, this is a good strategy for making donors feel an attachment to the kids and more willing to donate. Her project is where her negatives are at. She does not do a good job of explaining what she wants, she explains more about the kids. She only says that she wants Caldecott Medal Award winning authors, but no specific examples or number of books. She does do a god job of explaining what the books would do for the students, but not why she needs the Caldecott Medal Award winning books. 
Critique of Sitting in Style!
 Mrs.Davidson does a good job of explaining her kids, but she describes how they do not have supplies t home and then asks for tables and chairs for the classroom. There is a disconnect between what she says is the problem and what her solution is. For her project she describes her need for chairs and how they keep breaking, but she never discusses tables. In her cost breakdown chairs will cost $129 while tables cost $499 and she never explained why she needed tables. 

I really like that the first donors choose incorporates STEM activities for primary grades. It seems to be a great idea because it is a very hands on idea. I am apprehensive about it working though because I have always viewed Legos as toys. If the legos are able to enhance learning, I think it will be great. 

I really enjoyed the second donors choose because it is empowering future leaders of our community. I love the idea of making a flexible classroom environment, and I believe that these materials will benefit all students. I think this is a great idea too for students with ADHD or any learning disability to not have the typical classroom environment. 

Finally, I really liked the third donor choose because I absolutely love incorporating technology into the classroom. I believe that one iPad would make a good difference for starters, and if it is successful, then I believe that the more iPads, the better. I think that in-cooperating technology in a useful and beneficial would be extremely beneficial for students education. 

For the first, I believe this teacher has put a lot of effort into making this a great project to donate to. She has introduced herself, her students, and the issue in which she is trying to get funded. Something I noticed that. I believe is a good way to get people to donate is that she listed that most of her students are from low-income families, showing that this creative outlet and supplies are not something these students and their families could fund. I also think her title is cute and draws people in, so that's effective in her favor. Lastly, she mentioned she was a first year teacher with supplies handed down to her, so this might also entice people to donate.

For the second, the teacher was not as detailed as the first. As this project is for flexible seating, it doesn't need as much explaining, but she did not introduce herself and class to the extent the previous teacher did. Although it lack in introduction, her problem is effectively communicated with the solution being the flexible seating. Like the previous, she mentioned the socioeconomics of her students. Additionally, she has given a lot of details of the products she is asking for and their uses in the classroom. 

For the third, the teacher has barely anything written in her description. She did not develop an ethos; there is just a short blurb talking about why she needs this reading nook for her students. Without an introduction, it might be difficult to feel comfortable donating to this project. On the plus side, the teacher has mentioned the socioeconomics of her students and the school, and the fact that there is no carpet for her students to enjoy flexible seating. Although this is a great cause, I think the teacher could have used ethos more to her advantage. 

I think the first teacher did a great job at incorporating why music was important to the students, but did not do as great of a job at really asking for what they needed. This teacher needs fun literary books so that the reluctant readers will read, but I feel as though this teacher focused more on explaining why the music was important and not the books themselves.

I really like how in depth this teacher went with their explanations of needing new art supplies. It was a nice touch to add that this particular teacher is a first year and got all of the old supplies. I also liked that this teacher added a covered picture of the students covering their faces with their art work. I do not really have any negatives to say about this one. The teacher clearly explained the need and I believe it was done in a clear and concise way.

The third teacher did a great job at explaining the personalities of their students. Explaining that the kids are passionate really helps in donors wanting to participate towards their circle of life lesson. I will say that this one lacks a lot of detail that the one above provided, and I would say the more detail the better, but nevertheless good. 

1. I love how she mentions art and creativity are important. She does a good job explaining the students new situation due to COVID-19 and how this changed their education. I did not really see anything she did not do well for this proposal. I learned a lot about what she thinks is important and how she wants to help her students at home. I enjoyed that the materials she is trying to send are coloring books, play doh, crayons and artistic things.  

2. She added how important it is for Kindergarteners to learn responsibility and caring for others, this was really smart of her. It really helps explain why this bunny would be good for their classroom. I did not like that the first thing she said was that the school was title one. It made me feel weird and like she was trying to use that to her advantage. I think donors will want to help students regardless of things like that. I learned that I a proposal sounds better if it explains directly how it will help students education. 

3. I liked that she provided specific grade levels in her requests. She explained why flexible seating is helpful to children very well. I enjoyed her quote, "Happier kids lead to healthier kids, which in turn leads to better engagement and results!" I did not like that she only asked for one type of seating, I think that kind of defeats the purpose of flexible seating. Overall,  I think the proposal was worded well and sounded professional. 

The three applications I reviewed came from the middle and high school levels, each involving different areas of school, including extracurricular activities. One application was to raise money for new instruments, specifically a new saxophone. Another's goal was to earn enough to build and design a new art studio for their students. The third one was attempting to achieve the goal of getting new iPads and cameras for the students to use to design their school's yearbook.
The first thing I noticed right off the bat about each of the requests was the information about the school, specifically a broad look into the financial situation. Each one mentioned the rate of free and reduced lunches as well as primary races and ethnicity of the schools. After that they move on to explain why they need what they need and and explain what/how the equipment will be used. So the first thing I think for me that I thought each one did well was how each one really hammered in and milked the reasons as to why they needed something. In this day and age, with the online giving and everything, it's easier than ever to get donations from all corners of the planet. Before, the money would typically come from the school community and the surrounding areas. But now, anyone can go online and find some cause and donate to that cause. These cases are extremely similar to each other in that regard. In addition, people tend to react to situations that are less fortunate, and, as I said, these teachers are real quick to point out that they are not as fortunate as other schools (free/reduced lunch, minority races, etc). They made sure donors knew that right off the bat, and people tend to be suckers for situations like that, the cause can earn a few extra dollars simply by appearing needy (not to say they aren't needy, b/c they are). 
The other characteristic that I wanted to point out was how well the teachers made the cause about their students. The saxophone application was actually specifically for one student. All they needed was one saxophone for that one student to be able to play. The yearbook application was for new cameras and iPads to use so the students could have every opportunity to capture their high school memories. And again, the art studio application was just to provide an outlet for their students to express themselves in whatever manner they seemed fit. For me, that was exceptionally well done. People can naturally sense when a cause is truly for the good/benefit of someone else, and they respond to those. Because these teachers were able to do that, they were close to accomplishing their goal.

After reviewing 3 applications for Donors Choose, I have seen some similarities and differences. I think if I was a donor going on this website, the number one thing I would be looking for is how can my money make a difference. Personally when I felt connected to the class, I would be more likely to donate. I think that when teachers gave very real explanations of their classes, it came across very genuine. One teacher wrote, "Most of our students are from socioeconomically-challenged homes, and travel very far to come to our school; one student travels by taking the school bus for two hours one way. A handful of our children should wear glasses, but only one wears them regularly." I think that this shows the class dynamic and would make a donor really feel like they are going to make an impact with donating technology for students with disabilities. Another teacher wrote, " They are smart, amazing children who enjoy learning." Although she does describe her class, I think she could have gone into greater detail to give the donor more insight. One thing I really liked about Donors Choose is teachers have certain requirements and one of those being they are required to break down where the money will be going. Another area where I think could make a big difference is describing the project. Again, I think I am someone who wants to connect so the more detail one teacher gives me, the more likely I am to donate. Length is not everything, but I do think that the teachers who wrote more had more detail. "With COVID-19 changing the way we do education, my students are currently at home learning through packets and virtual learning. We are learning, however, that school is more than just a place where students grow academically." Yes, this does explain how donating would help her class and how this project would be successful, but I think talking about how they will deliver them, what the packages will hold, how many will be available could give more explanation. On the other hand, this description gives a donor a great idea of how their money is helping very specifically. "The backpacks for kindergarten and first grade will include a picture book related to the topic to better connect science to literacy skills. Every backpack will include performance expectations, procedures, safety notes, extensions, online and local resources, materials for that activity, a student recording sheet, and a feedback form. The reusable sheets will be laminated and attached to a binder ring." I think most teachers do a great job, my one thing I noticed was to be open and really show the donors about your class and how they can help. 

1. In this Donors Choose, Book Em Danno, the teacher is attempting to get funding to provide a library for her students targeted to their reading level. She gives a brief summary that her students are excited to learn and that her students are mostly at the same reading levels. She also wants book bags to help organize the books for the reading groups. I think this is a good idea because children should have access to books on their reading level to explore, read, and learn. However, she does not give detailed information of her classroom or the type of school she is in. The other donors choose projects list that they were title I schools and need the funding. How do I know that they need the books? What resources do they have already? How can this benefit the students? 
2. In this Donors Choose, Chromebook-IT to the Coronavirus, the teacher is trying to help her students gain access to Chromebooks so that they can still be educated at home. The teacher first talks about how grateful she is that her school gives all the supplies she has needed throughout the year until the outbreak hit. She includes that it is her first yer teaching and she is so proud of all her students have accomplished this year so far. She includes that she is at a title 1 school and that if she were to get chromebooks, Spectrum would give two months of free internet access for students who need it. I feel as if this is important because students still need to be able to have access to tools to help them learn. However, the teacher only asks for three chromebooks and think that only three will not help provide the students with enough individualizations and access to the resources she is trying to provide. How would they rotate the chromebooks if they are not in school? I like the idea but I feel like more planning needs to be put in place for the students. What will they benefit from the chromebooks? How will they do the assignments? Will the students know how to use them? 
3. In the Donors Choose, Adventure Is Out There, the teacher is trying to raise money to take her students on a field trip to Blessington Farms to learn about animals in nature. I really liked the idea of this project. I think it is important for students to have hands on experiences outside of the classroom. The teacher describes her students in the Donors Choose. I felt as if it was good for her to explain that her students need funding because they are a title I school. She also talked about how she thinks her students can make great leaders on day. The teacher then talks about the project. She’s wants to tie in the activity to science, writing, and reading. She gives brief descriptions of the activities but she does not give any information on how it will help the students or their grade level requirements. I would add more details to why it is important for them to visit the farm and what they will gain from the experience. 

The first DonorsChoose that I will talk about is the "Technology for Students with Special Needs Who Need Extra Love." I thought the teacher did a very good job of listing the technology and how she would use the technology for the benefit of the students. She also did a really good job at briefly and concisely explaining why the students need what she is asking for (in this case technology such as tablets) and how the students would specifically benefit from it.
I learned a little bit about how certain types of uses of technology can help certain types of disabilities. Some of the language such as "enable flipped curriculum and assistive technology," means nothing to the average person so they could either explain what those are briefly or they can just avoid using this type terminology in general.  
The second DonorsChoose application that I will critique is "The Circle of Life!" application. The biggest drawback with this application is that it is not 100 percent clear how or what the donations are for and how they are helping the students specifically. The application simply states that it is for the ability to incubate eggs. The teacher does a good job of appealing to donor by explaining that the students have never done anything hands on like this before, and they have also never had any class pets throughout their education. I think this project in general is really cool and important because hands on experience is extremely pivotal for students.
The final DonorsChoose application that I looked over and reviewed is the "Snacks Around Town: Keeping Bellies Full During School Closure!" With everything that is going on and happening because of the Covid-19. It is important that we as a society do what we can in order to help each other out when possible. I think the message and how the teacher links this project with her curriculum is really cool. Teaching students to be "Great Changers" will help change the world into a better place. I think the application could have been much more concise, but I did not mind it too much since the message was really good.

In the "Fostering Flexibility in our Future Leaders" application the writer does a really good job in explaining the use of each of the items she is asking for. She goes into detail about the seating options and how they will benefit the students. She describes the versatility in seating and table options and how they can be used in her classroom. She explains the how the tables can aid in collaboration and is descriptive in their use. If she could have done anything a little better I think she could have really stressed why her seating options she wants now are better than the ones she has no. I think it would have benefitted her for the reader to know how what she has now is not adequate for her classroom and how she wants her students to work within it. 
In the "Family Care Packages" application while the teacher as good intention she really missed an opportunity to talk about the needs of her students. She does not specifically talk about the things she is asking people to pay for. There are no specific items listed and their importance for students is not explained. It would be more motivating to a reader and potential donator to hear what things children need at their homes while they are not in school. I had to go to the list of items at the bottom of the page to find out what was actually being bought. 
For the last application "A little Comfort and Supplies for the Girls" I felt a little mislead by the title and initial description. I was really interested in this application because I thought it really meets a need that so many young girls are facing in and outside of schools. As I read on I felt like it was all over the place and that there were many different things being requested, when the title sounded differently. I thought that a more thorough project description would really be needed instead of talking about students again. After I went to the products listed I got a better idea of what was being requested but I think the title of the application could represent it better.