Review of the three Donors Choose Applications

 1.     Mrs. Mickey’s class is needing help with basic supplies. The project is based in a high poverty school in Oklahoma City. Mrs. Mickey goes into detail about her philosophy and how much her students like music. I think this was warranted but could focus more on what the supplies would accomplish. I thought $198 was a lot for the project personally. However, I have no personal experience with how much need schools in poverty have so it could be reasonable. I like that the project was detailed and Mrs. Mickey put her enthusiasm into the description. This would make me more inclined to donate because she seemed passionate about what she is teaching, which correlates to how well the students will learn from her. I decided to review this project because it had 0 donors.

2.     Dr. Klasek’s class is requesting chromebooks to aid in college level coursework. The class is located in Oklahoma City and is listed as high poverty. Asking donation price is $1,532. I like how she presents the unfortunate truth that not all students have internet or computer software at home. This makes the need for the chromebooks seem reasonable. She also includes that students can achieve an associate’s degree before graduating high school. I think this is an important addition and increases incentive to donate. I do not dislike any part of the listing. This page had 6 donors and over $1,000 was still needed for the project.

3.     Ms. Boyd listed her project as needing language development, fluency, and reading comprehension accessories. The school is based in Oklahoma City and is listed as high poverty. I like how she mentions that many of her students speak English as a second language. This tells me that she is making an extra effort to teach students how to master English. I do not think there was much effort spent toward explaining what these accessories will do for her students and how they will be implemented. She also mentions about learning at home and I think this can be expanded upon as well as to what it would look like.

The five recommendations I have for writing a better donor choose listing is: 1. Include what students are learning in the classroom as curriculum. Some articles talk about what they need and not necessarily what standards they will meet when using the materials. 2. Add detail. Some descriptions are vague when requiring accessories to be bought. More rationale should go into this explaining how it can be more useful than using standard materials. A compare and contrast or pro and con section could be added as an example. 3. Showcase past student work. None of the articles showed what students had accomplished in past lessons or units. This might add to the incentive of donating to a good future lesson or unit. 4. Include student struggles. Listing number 2 was effective for this as Dr. Klasek explained what students were not achieving because of lack of tools. This could help motivate a reader to donate. 5. Go into detail about home use. Listing number 3 talks about how the materials can be used at home but does not give a vision of what this looks like. Doing this would establish a connection and display value of the materials.

I personally think each one of the donors I chose did a great job explaining their case and why they feel the need to request a donation. One thing that I think they could have done better is add a little more information on behalf of the cause. I feel that when you are asking for such great sums of money the people donating should know every little bit about it. My favorite donation request was the one asking for comfort and choice. I think it is so important to allow your children to release energy while learning. I remember feeling so cooped up in elementary school, which undoubtedly lead me to being bored and hating to learning. I wish my teacher would have allowed us a few minutes a day to exert that energy, or even better give us a seat that allows that exertion all day long. 


5 pieces of advise: 
-make it not so wordy, get straight to the point
-make sure and include every piece of information you can 
-make sure the readers understand how and why it will be used clearly 
- add more background information regarding your class
-let the reader know the environment of the school and schedule of students 

For my Donors Choose critique, I chose applications that were requesting materials dealing with a science curriculum. I also chose “never before funded” teachers since I wanted to see what a first time application looks like. As a future science teacher, I thought it would be interesting to see what the needs of current science classrooms are and how they are applied to their curriculum. In addition, it was beneficial to view the application from the view of a “reader” or potential “donor” to help me understand what stands out in an application when I decide the need for filling one out.

1)      Mr. Gonzalez is a high school teacher in Long Island City located in a high poverty area. His application caught my eye because his title is “Basic Projector + Surface Pro = D.I.Y. Interactive SMART-board”. I was intrigued because through my own SMARTboard experience, I disliked them and I was curious as to what his project entailed. Mr. Gonzalez did a great job of describing his students in the most sincere way possible even apologizing for not including pictures of them because it is against school policy. Although this was not a request for a specific Science project, his project was aimed at helping not only his classroom, but for sharing with other classrooms. Unlike other applications I looked over, this appeared to be a basic need and I admired the teacher for finding an innovative way to bring the functionality of a SMARTBOARD without the cost. My only critique is to maybe give more specific detail about how getting the materials would enhance a specific project. Despite the lack of detail about the project, I would donate to his application in a heartbeat.

2)      Mr. Wright is a middle school teacher at another NY school called the Eagle Academy of Young Men located in Harlem. This is another application that appears to be for a basic need which is Chromebooks for their classroom to enhance their projects and allow for them to use visual aids in their learning. Mr. Wright states his case rather clearly when he talks about the students and he emphasizes the fact that many of them live nearby while others commute far distances. He mentions that those that travel far typically need to complete their assignment at school. My critique of the application is to have a more catchy title to draw donors in to read his application. In addition, I might highlight at least one specific assignment with detail. Adding student quotes about their exposure to technology may also lend a voice to the application and show that the students are passionate about wanting to use technology in the classroom.

3)      Mrs. Ferrier is a high school teacher from Gore, Oklahoma. I really wanted to choose an application that was in our state to get an idea of local needs. Mrs. Ferrier’s application caught my eye because of her catchy title, “Let the Robots teach Science”. Everyone loves a project with robots. I really enjoyed how she included that there is an emphasis on students teaching students in her classroom. Her application had specific detail on what the materials would be utilized for. She already has a project in place and the technology will greatly enhance the learning of the students involved in the project. Her picture was also very nice with her posing with the robots.  

5 tips for a winning Donors Choose Application:

1)      Catchy Title: This is what grabs the reader. Often times, the potential donor has already narrowed down the applications by location or subject, so the title needs to attract them to your application. It should entice them to click to read more.

2)      The first paragraph is what most donors will read. Most may not reach to the end. Make your plea early and be to the point what it is for.

3)      Be specific: If your request is very general and similar to others, it may be overlooked. Donors sometimes want to feel like they can relate to the project. Be specific what it will be used for and how it can enhance the student learning. Even basic needs that can be used for a variety of reasons can be articulated with a specific project.

4)      Proofread- If you don’t take the time to make sure the application is worded well and grammar has been used properly, donors may not take the time to fund the project.

5)      Pictures: If school policy allows, provide pictures and quotes from students. Giving a voice to the application makes it more personal and donors are more likely to read and internalize student quotes. 

The Donors Choose, "Headphones to Learn Code" did an excellent job in posting a picture of his students using headphones in the classroom; it displays that they will use them for academics. The second Donors Choose was neat, it provided a picture of the class books, and described the student body, but it did not seem as ethnicistic as the other Donors Choose. The third Donors Choose "Fuel for a fantastic Future!" Mr. Morton did an excellent job on the title, his title was great, and his cause was even more incredible. I liked how he has already spent money on snacks; it's obvious that he cares a lot for his students, he also describes his students as, "my kids" in his description. The three Donors Choose did an excellent job by explaining what they need in the classroom. They also described the population of students, while also mentioning the amount below poverty rate in their school. Two of the three Donors Choose, did not have a catchy title; "Headphones to Learn Code" and "Fill our Classroom Library," the titles were dull and boring. On the other hand, the Donor Choose with the title, "Fuel For a Fantastic Future!" was creative and fun; it instantly grabbed my attention, and the description of their cause was well constructed. The teachers also did a great job in adding pictures of their students and classrooms. My five tips for writing a winning Donors Choose application, based on what I have reviewed is: 1. Having a catchy title 2. Describing the student population and their goals as students/teacher 3. How the product will benefit students 4. Having pictures of their students 5. Writing personal "Thank You" letters to donors. 

Mrs. Vasta teaches 6th graders at a Title 1 school in Phoenix, Arizona. She used an eye-catching title and photo. The photo consists of her students, her creative looking classroom, and work that her students have done. This project really caught my eye because of the fun looking picture, and because I am a future English teacher who values reading the same way that Mrs. Vasta does. Creating titles that are geared towards specific areas of study will capture other professionals in the Education sphere who relate to and have mutual interest in the materials being requested. Mrs. Vasta's project post is excellently balanced with information about her students and classroom, and with specific projects that she will be organizing to get her kids reading the books that she is requesting funding for. She is going to host student-lead book clubs, and workshops that will give her students a way to taste many books of different reading levels and genres. She has a large list of books that she will provide for her students under materials needed, along with the quantities and prices of each book. She even explained that she has higher quantities of some books so that students can use these books together in their book clubs. Overall, Mrs. Vasta's project proposal is one of the best I have seen yet. I was not left wondering what my donation would be going towards. She explained everything very clearly and concisely. This is an excellent Donor's Choose post.

5 Tips based on this review:
1. Use a picture that incorporates your students and your classroom. Give potential donors a feel for your class. 
2. Explain why students need the material(s) you are raising money for.
3. Give specific explanations for how you will use the new material and how it will benefit your students.
4. Use a title that is specific to your class or subject area.
5. Provide an accurate description of materials and costs, and if needed, use a brief explanation of these materials in your post.

Mrs. H gave a nice and descriptive background of her Title 1 students. She explained that many of her students are behind educationally, and that a class set of Chromebooks would enhance their learning. However, Mrs. H did. not explicitly state what a Chromebook is, and since I am much more familiar with Apple than Google, I had to good it up. A Chromebook is a laptop, but the word laptop is nowhere in Mrs. H's request. In the last paragraph of her request, Mrs. H explained how she would like to use the Chromebooks, giving names of specific websites that she will use in her class, but she did not explain what any of the websites are or what they are used for. I, as a future educator, am familiar with Google Classroom, but some of the potential donors on this site might not have ever heard of it. I think Mrs. H needs to spend a little more time describing exactly what she wants and exactly how she plans to use it to benefit her student's learning, rather than predominately describing her students, and giving less regard to what the money is specifically for.

5 Tips based on this review:
1. Explicitly state what you are requesting money for. What is it, and what does it do? How will it help your classroom?
2. Give some background information on your students, and explain why they need the item you are requesting.
3. Thank any and all of your donors by commenting on their donation. Personalize each thank you message to let them know that you appreciate their help.
4. Any technology that you will be able to access using your requested tech should have a brief explanation. It is best for people to know exactly what you have in mind so they have a better idea of what they are donating towards.
5. Use a relevant page photo and an eye-catching title.

Mrs. Melton started by giving an explanation of some poverty struggles and stresses that occur in her student's lives, being in a Title 1 school. She recognized that while she cannot control their home environments, she is responsible for controlling their atmosphere at school, and she wants to do the best that she can for them. I thought this explanation, which allows potential donors to empathize with the students, and her use of a catchy title: "Fire Up Our Classroom!" were two very good starting points for Mrs. Melton's grant submission.

Next, Mrs. Melton told about her project, which is to provide a classroom set of 18 Kindle Fires for her 5th graders. In telling about her project, she gave three examples of apps that she can download from the Amazon App Store to be used in her class, and explained how they will benefit her lessons and her students. This was a great tactic. Kindles are typically associated with reading, and Mrs. Melton will use them to enhance her student's reading, but she also have examples of ways that her students can use the technology for math and spelling purposes, and even to make their own reading-level appropriate books. Further, as the age of technology continues, it is essential to teach younger students how to be more fluent with technology. This was one of her strong points as well. 

The only thing Mrs. Melton could improve is her page's photo. The photo is an incomplete, strangely cropped image of a pin board in her room. Letters on the board read "Melton's Master..." The rest of the letters are cut off, and there are illegible pages hanging from the board. The pages look like student work, and the thought behind this photo is nice, but I think people would be more inclined to donate if they could see some or all of the children that their donations would be effecting. Just a small viewing of the front of Mrs. Melton's classroom is not doing much for her cause. Besides the photo, Mrs. Melton created a post that is relatable, empathetic and is striving for enhanced curriculum and class activity. She did a great job.

5 tips based on this review:

1. Use a relevant and informative picture. Include students with their permission.
2. Give possible donors a brief but wholesome description of students and classroom.
3. Give specific examples for how to use what you are requesting money for in your classroom and for the benefit of your students.
4. Be clear and concise.
5. Use an eye-catching title

The first donors choose I reviewed was titled: "Wiggle While We Learn." This applications was extremely positive and was in a concise easy to read format. I loved how the teacher began by describing her class as well as the area they live in. She then stated the need and how they wanted active seating in the classroom. She discussed how important it is for learning to be fun and how active seating can helps students stay in engaged. She gave a statistic about how kids learn better if they are moving throughout the day. All of the aspects of the application were done extremely well. I loved how it was descriptive but not to wordy. What I did not like was how she did not go into much detail about flexible seating specifically in her classroom. Five tips I would have for her would be to elaborate more on the actual product she is asking for, explain a little more about her classroom environment, provide a conclusion paragraph thanking people in advanced, she should address the other side who are apprehensive about the chairs(distraction), and go into more detail about the importance of active seating. Overall, I was inspired and would donate to this worthy cause. 
The second donors chose was titled: "Today A Reader, Tomorrow a Leader." This donors choose was so incredible. This teacher is at a title 1 school in Washington. Most of her students are from Africa, South America, and Asia. She stated her detailed plea about how she needs books that are as diverse as her students. Students need to read about characters that they can relate to and this teacher was so descriptive in her distinct need. I was moved after reading this applications. I loved that she gave us a glimpse into the personality of her class. I loved that she said, "I need books that are as diverse as my students." What thing I did not like was that she only applied to get 3 books total for her class. I think she could have asked for more due to her moving cause. 5 tips I would give her is to ask for more books, give more detail about her class as a whole, give more detail about her methods of teaching, give more detail about being a teacher in a title 1 school, and to elaborate more on the importance of having diverse books in the classroom. 
The third donors choose I was titled: "Literature On Paper and On The Line." This application expressed a teachers desperate need to have 8 new laptops to help her majority ELL classroom. This teacher works in a title 1 school and has no access to technology. She explains a little about her class and the troubles they face. Then the teacher further discusses the importance of having laptops in the classroom when teaching English language learners. She goes into great detail about what she will do with the money and how she will use the laptops, I really loved that aspect of her applications. Something I did not like was that she did not describe her class and a little bit more of the demographic. Five tips I have for her are to describe her class demographic more so we can better grasp her story, I would give some facts about the benefits of technology, I would explain how she is going to use the laptops once she gets the, she could say how typing skills can help them learn English, and she can say what resources she will use on the laptops to help specifically ELL.

I thought the teachers did a great job of helping the reader get to know the students' situation and a little bit about her class. I also thought the teachers overall had a great reason for wanting her students to be able to get the funding since it is something they will enjoy doing. But I feel that the teacher should have included more about how being active is important to their learning and for their classroom. The teachers also could have added a more personal photo rather than just a pic of the corner of a classroom.
5 Tips:
1. A catchy title
2. Pictures
3. Good description of the children
4. Vision and explanation of what it would look like if they got the donation
5. Reasonable amount of money as a donation request

When searching for requests to review, I searched for things that I have strong feelings about such as the arts literacy. Both my sister and I were in band and orchestra (respectively) so I know first hand how underfunded arts programs are. I chose the "New Instruments" request becuase I know how expensive woodwind instrumnets are and its kind of gross that some of them share the same saxaphone. I was not super impressed with the request, it did not really stand out. The title was just "New Instruments" it should be something like "Help the Saxaphones!" or something a little more creative. The picture was of the band marching and I feel like it should have been the saxaphone section, the kids that were benefiting from the donation. I really liked the "Building Literacy through Art" request because the teacher is incorparating art in teaching literacy. So the students will have fun while building a strong reading foundation. I liked the picture and the title, the only problem is there was a sentence repeated in one paragraph. "Launch us into 2017" was my favorite request I reviewed, the title grabbed my attention right off the bat. I think robotics programs are really cool and wish I gotten into it in high school.