Past projects 6
Diversity Books for Kindergarten!
Funded Dec 30, 2024I want to thank you so much for your generosity in donating to my classroom project.
First off, having books that represent the diversity of my students is invaluable. Reading books that show kids versions of themselves is important in any grade level, but especially in kindergarten - where they are just developing a sense of themselves.
Additionally, seeing books about kids that are different than you is also important. It shows that we value everyone and can learn from people whom are different than we are.
Finally, having books that talk about neurodiversity and how to be kind, help all students be accepting and welcoming to others.
We are so grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Questad
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 8 other donors.Phonics Fun for Kindergarten!
Funded May 9, 2024Thank you so much for donating to my classroom. These literacy games and activities were a huge hit. Not only did they add excitement and fun to learning to read, they helped several students make huge gains to reach standard.
Students daily asked to use these supplies, and I loved hearing them laugh while utilizing them. Adding these towards the end of the year energized our learning!
The generosity of people who donate to classes blows me away. I appreciate it more than you know. (As do my lucky students.)”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Questad
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 8 other donors.Seeing People Like Me!
Funded May 10, 2023Thank you so much for donating to my Donor's Choose Project. My students were thrilled to see toys, dolls, and art supplies that represent them!
Having toys that represent ALL of my students made them feel seen in school. I heard several comment, "This baby [or toy] looks like me and my family!" I can't tell you how happy that made all of us feel. When we did art, they were easily able to find supplies that matched their skin. This made them feel accepted and included.
Your donation honored the heritage and culture of a diverse group of students, and I can't thank you enough.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Questad
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and 12 other donors.Kindergarten STEAM Adventures!
Funded Feb 3, 2023Thank you so much for donating to my school project. The students have loved exploring and playing with all their new materials and toys. I was able to add these exciting items to our STEM Center and our Art and Writing Center. I can't tell you how excited the kiddos were to see these new items!
Not only were we able to use these items during our structured playtime, we used the microscopes during science exploration. They loved getting out in nature to look up close at the world.
Building and creating are also top activities in our class. Using the Architect blocks and the Sprirograph have been highlights for my students. The designs they have come up with are so creative!
I can't thank you enough for your generosity in donating to my class. My students and I appreciate it more than you know.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Questad
Diverse and Engaging Books for Third Grade
Funded Aug 8, 2020Thank you so much for donating to my Donor's Choose Project. I can't tell you how much I (and my students) appreciate these diverse chapter books.
To give you some background, I was moved from Kindergarten to Third Grade over the summer. I had few book resources to use in my new grade level. These books have made such a difference, not only in the amount of books I have to share with my students, but in the diverse types of stories my students are exposed to.
One big part of our remote curriculum this year is read-alouds. I started our year reading one of these chapter books to my students. Right off the bat, as a rural, predominantly white community, they were exposed to a black character, living in New York City. Eyes were opened to see the differences AND commonalities with this character. We had many discussions about this and explored complicated themes around it. It was a great way to start our year.
Additionally, student receive new books weekly through our supply drop off and exchange program. I have utilized these books, sending them to students, so that they can experience diversity in their reading lives. I have heard many compliments on the stories they have read and the lessons they have learned.
I can't thank you enough for your generous donation to my classroom. You truly have made a difference in my students' lives.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Questad
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 15 other donors.Diverse Picture Books for Kindergarten
Funded Jun 25, 2020I want to start out by thanking you so much for supporting my classroom and my learners. When I first put out this project, I was assigned a position as a Kindergarten teacher. Due to Covid and changes in enrollment, I was moved to Third Grade. I was hopeful that my Third Graders would enjoy these books just as much as the younger children, and boy, was I right. They absolutely love them.
My school has started the year in the remote setting. This provides me the unique opportunity to share these gorgeous picture books up-close to my students via Zoom and their computer screens. The beautiful pictures and messages shared through these books has already made an impact on my students and overall class connectedness.
I have tied the messages in these books to my school's monthly Character Trait for the month. September focused on the trait of having a Growth Mindset and October focused on Courage. So many of these books have characters that didn't give up and persevered through challenges, showing bravery and persistence - many facing these challenges due to their race or ethnicity. Our class has had several in depth conversations about differences - and how culture, race, poverty and identity can add to those challenges. I can see the growth in their understanding of these tough and tricky topics.
My students are being exposed to these stories because of your generous donations. They are seeing different points of view, and are building empathy for others. My hope is that we will continue these discussions to grow together as class AND as educated global citizens throughout the rest of this year.
You are very much appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Questad
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 9 other donors.