This last year, Commerce Bank generously partnered with Bottenfield Elementary to provide three Interactive Whiteboards to help to improve classroom instruction. An Interactive Whiteboard, otherwise known as a Smartboard, is a revolutionary teaching tool that allows teachers and students access to a 77” computer screen in the front of the classroom. This cutting-edge technology has reformed our classroom, encouraging students to become enthusiastic to learn about a variety of subjects. For example, it has allowed us to practice correcting sentences, computing multiplication facts, exploring our world with great maps and pictures, and discovering the incredible possibilities of outer space. The Interactive Whiteboard has been in integral part of our classroom.

The most amazing aspect that this piece of equipment has brought to our room is the spark of interest it gives to our students. The students’ hands fly into the air whenever they have an opportunity to answer a question on the board. Students are shown the recently created vibrant videos, animation, or photos whenever a new concept is introduced. The Smartboard has allowed for smoother transition periods between subjects, eliminating wasted time through set-up and dismantling of an LCD projector. Here are just a few of the student’s thoughts on how the Smartboard helps them in the classroom:

“The Smartboard helps us because if you have a, lets say, an angle and you want to measure the angle, then you can do it with a digital protractor. Another cool think about the Smartboard is that you can scan pictures on a scanner and they show up on the big screen. I am glad that Commerce Bank gave us the Smartboard. I love it!”

-Kelley, 10

“One of the many reasons why I love the Smartboard is that it makes everything easier to learn, in a much more fun way. One way that we use it is with Daily Oral Language. It used to be boring, but now it is exciting to go up in front of the room and fix all the mistakes in the sentences. Another thing that I like is being able to make Powerpoints and watch movies. We also have seen pictures of houses for Architecture and Illinois History. This really helps with math too. The Smartboard really helps us learn. Thank you Commerce Bank.”

-Ashton, 10

“I love the Smartboard because if my class didn’t have one, I would probably not know what’s going on in the lesson (I sit in the back of the room). It has a much better picture then the overhead projector and everyone in the class can see it! The Smartboard makes math so much easier. Everyone in the class is getting a better education. At recess, we always get to play educational games on it. I love the Smartboard!”

-Julia, 10

“The Smartboard helps me learn every subject in a cool way. One of the things that was cool about it was we used Google Earth to help me learn about the world. Another thing was when we studied Illinois History and learned about the animals and Native Americans. Thank you Commerce Back for letting us have it.”

-Makena, 10

Thank you all so much for this wonderful gift towards the children of Bottenfield. We would like to welcome anyone from your business to stop in and see our students in action.

Thankfully yours,

Room 109 and Mr. Andrew Peralta