Mrs. Wheeler's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 4

• Let's Have a Ball: Bouncing Our Way to Learning

  Funded May 5, 2016

  I only wish you could have heard the squeals of delight as I opened the box from Donor's Chose containing our new bright yellow yoga balls. Students even vied for the honor of staying in at recess to pump them up.

  At first I let the children take turns using them at their desks, since I only requested a half class set. Gradually we moved some to our reading table, special projects space and the reading nook. Those remaining, are at the desks of students who need to move a bit in order to help them focus on the lesson or independent work. One little boy said, "I am powerful with my learning now, like a superhero. I can listen to the teacher and do my work better!"

  Other children having focusing difficulties have increased the amount of time (we call it stamina) reading a book of their own choosing. Prior to the yoga balls the maximum time was 5 minutes. These same students using the bouncy balls have learned to read for 17 minutes. Regardless, all students using the balls have demonstrated increased focus and attention.

  I cannot tell you what a difference these bouncy balls have made in my classroom, in the learning and in the lives of these children. Other teachers are now coming into my room to learn how they can create the same 'magic' for their students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wheeler

• Be a Ham, a Star, or a Diva

  Funded May 31, 2011

  You should have heard the squeals of delight when the shipping box holding our classroom's new camera was opened. The students were so thrilled to learn that this was our very own camera for our room.

  We brainstormed all of the ways we could use the camera to document our year in third grade together; field trips, going to the library and computer lab, playing our favorite games, and so on. I even added that at the end of the year I would put all of the pictures we took on a CD for each child to own so they could they could have pictures of their classmates forever.

  We have already used the camera to take pictures of their favorite recess game (voted on in math with a graphing activity) and took pictures of those students who earned a free book the first quarter by meeting their reading goal.

  We are off to a great year and thanks to your generous donation, we are documenting our learning experiences as we go.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wheeler

  This classroom project was brought to life by Quill.com and 3 other donors.

• Paperless Process

  Funded Apr 25, 2011

  My students and I would like to extend our gratitude for the generous funding of our white board and pen project. I realize there are many deserving projects to be funded by Donor's Choose and am grateful that you selected mine.

  I only wish I could capture their initial excitement when we first opened the box of white boards and pens. Some students actually squealed. After using the tools, my students commented, "I can hold up my answer and it won't flop over anymore!" "These pens are much better to write with." These boards will allow all children to have an active role in their learning and let everyone respond to a question rather than a chosen few.

  Thank you so very much for putting a powerful tool for learning in the hands of my students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wheeler

  This classroom project was brought to life by Quill.com and 4 other donors.

• Going Green with Wondrous Wiggly Worms (Feed USA)

  Funded Apr 28, 2011

  My students and I were so excited to learn of the funding for the worm composting bin. When it actually arrived they couldn't wait to get Thier hands dirty and begin the process of composting.

  We have been working a bit in the school garden and learning the part that worms do to make the soil richer for plants. This has changed Thier "eww, a worm" to "be careful not to hurt it" and gently returning it back to the garden box.

  I understand there are many deserving projects out there and granting my wish for a composting bin helps me to realize my dream of helping children to become environmentally conscience and considerate. My students and I feel lucky to have received your support.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wheeler

  This classroom project was brought to life by FEED USA and 9 other donors.