Past projects 3
Cool Clay Creations!
Funded Apr 4, 2024I want to thank you again for the Air-Dry Clay. My scholars had trouble containing their excitement as I explained that we would be creating 3-D astronauts to enhance our study of the sky and space.
The Air-Dry Clay gave my scholars the opportunity to not only create an amazing art project, but the students were able to incorporate our recent mathematics unit on solid figures in our environment, and fractions.
Once the students received their clay, they split the pieces into halves and quarters, reinforcing the fractions that we learned. Then, students created spheres for heads, rectangular prisms for the body, and cylinders for arms and legs, again reinforcing math concepts.
The Air-Dry Clay allowed my scholars to explore their artistic creativity using a new medium as they made their fabulous 3-D astronauts! Thank you for contributing to give my scholars this unique opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Petrilli
Deep Dive Into Chapter Books
Funded Nov 29, 2023I would like to thank you again for supporting our classroom by increasing our chapter book library. Now that students have their own copies of books to use, it will be easy to follow along as I read, or as peers read to each other. As we read these books, we will be discussing the details presented in each chapter, exploring the theme of the book, acquiring new content related vocabulary, making connections to background knowledge, and relating the concepts to our own experiences. We will also be applying the iconic prompts of depth and complexity, which is a large part of our differentiated curriculum. Scholars will be answering questions, and proving with evidence from the text, how the prompts are applicable. This helps students take ownership and develop a deeper understanding to what we are reading and learning about.
The majority of scholars in my class have a love of reading and these books will deepen and further their passion for reading. The students often show their enthusiasm for reading when we visit the school library by checking out other books by the same author and they look for books about the same topic. Students also ask me for additional books in our classroom library and how to search for similar books on our online libraries. Some scholars also share that they ask their parents to support this new interest by helping them find similar books and they will bring them in from home to share with the rest of the class.
I love when students demonstrate their love of reading in a variety of ways and these new chapter books will reinforce and foster that passion!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Petrilli
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 10 other donors.Scholarly Sources
Funded Jan 3, 2012I want to thank you on behalf of myself and my students for your generous donation to my classroom library. The many continent and nature themed books proved to be valuable resources for my students. I teach at a gifted / high ability magnet elementary school and I am constantly looking for ways to enhance our curriculum and challenge my students. The books have allowed for a more complex look at the continents and different types of weather. I have used them with the students to conduct both small group activities and individual investigations, allowing for differentiated instruction.
As our District faces massive budget cuts, educators are constantly looking for ways to monetarily supplement our programs. The Donors Choose organization, has allowed for me to have this opportunity to get materials that reinforce and enhance our state standards. These books have been an effective tool this year and will continue to add to our curriculum year after year, giving many students the chance to benefit from them.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Petrilli
This classroom project was brought to life by NEA Foundation and 13 other donors.