Past projects 4
Smart Seating!
Funded Jul 3, 2016I cannot describe how happy my students were when they walked in the room and saw 5 giant stability balls in our classroom. The looks on their faces were priceless. Once they saw that we had other seating options like stadium seats and garden pads, they were beyond excited.
We have made a rotation so that all of the students have a day to use the stability balls and stadium chairs. They have their own day to use them and can also choose to spend their classroom bucks they've earned to use them again on Fridays. We have had to create some safety rules, but overall, these seating options have created many new learning opportunities. We added a pool noodle base of the stability balls for extra safety and it has helped so much.
During Open House, many parents expressed their happiness that their children have a variety of choices in their daily seating. The parents recognize that kids can't always sit still for long periods of time or sitting in a hard plastic chair isn't the best. This project has changed the way many aspects of my classroom and I'm so appreciative that we have these resources. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Buckler
Leaders Synergize!
Funded Jun 4, 2015This project has been one of the most fun to receive and use! We got this big box delivered to our classroom and could not WAIT to open it! Once we did, we saw how many brain games and books there were and the students could barely contain their excitement. We dug into them right away.
Every week, we have "Thinking Thursday" when we dedicate time in the morning to grow our brains. We read brain books, play brain games, and talk about how to have a growth mindset. The students love coming in Thursday mornings and getting their brains to work. They even choose these brain games over the the ipads and computers we have. They are asking so many questions on how the brain works and on what it really looks like. It has been so much fun adding to my knowledge of how tailor our school day to the brain's needs.
We appreciate your help in getting us these materials. Our classroom is a fun, positive place with these resources and we couldn't have done it without you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Buckler
Brain Games and Books for Growth Mindset
Funded Jul 28, 2015Our carpet arrived on a Friday afternoon. We had to wait the whole weekend to see ! On Monday morning, I gathered up some teacher's kids and we all went to the office to get it. They worked together to bring it down the hall, unwrap it, then decided they needed to weigh the edges down so it would be flat. They decided it was the most beautiful carpet ever! They also helped me to inflate the wobble cushions and promptly tested them out.
When my students came in that morning, their eyes were wide and they "oohed" and "ahhed" over it's beauty. They all sat on it and I had to remind them to unpack their things and get started on work. It has been the "best spot" to sit since we got it. We do 30 minutes daily for Independent Reading and most kids choose to sit on this carpet or choose a wobble cushion to sit on the tile floor. We have had to make a schedule for these since we have four.
This carpet and the wobble cushions have provided additional areas for learning to happen. We are so very thankful for your contributions that made it happen!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Buckler
Helping Students Gain Independence
Funded Jan 28, 2013I want to take a moment to thank you so much for helping to fund this project. The Talk Point buttons you helped me purchase have been a great addition to our class. The moment they arrived, we had to open them and start recording our voices. The students in my class love to hear their voice reading back to them. So far, we have used them for rehearing center directions, listening to our fluency while reading from books, remembering vocabulary words/definitions simple reminders, and taking them to other teachers with a message on them. Because there are 15, we can use them in so many ways. We are currently starting to use them for math.
I love that the students are thinking of new ways to use the Talk Point buttons. They are bringing even the shyest of students out of his shell. He likes that he gets a chance to hear record his thoughts while alone in a quiet spot and then playing them later. He doesn't feel like he's put on the spot when having to answer questions. The buttons are helping one of my special needs students remember simple directions. We have also recorded words of praise (Good job! Way to go! And Oh Yeah!) for times we need to celebrate.
Again, your help in funding this project is very much appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Buckler