Past projects 3
Mentally Strong and Ready to Conquer
Funded Aug 10, 2023With your generous donation I was able to purchase books that helped my students with their emotions and how to handle these emotions. We used these books as a start to class discussions. During our classroom time dedicated to social emotional learning, I read aloud one of the donated books and then we talked about the theme or message that the book was trying to convey. Some of the books, like BE KIND, had more obvious messages, but other books required greater thinking. Discussions also included responses to "What would you have done?", "Do you think the character responded well?", and "What other options were available to the character?"
After reading the book and talking together, students write a response in their reflection journal. This journal is dedicated to responses during our SEL (social emotional learning) time. I have attached some sample responses for you to read.
Post pandemic, students seem to struggle with identifying how they are feeling and determining an appropriate response to the feeling. These books and the discussions about them have allowed my students time to understand and reflect on their feelings. Also the discussions around the books allow me to pose different responses in hopes students will gain additional coping skills to handle the situations they encounter.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Farmer
This classroom project was brought to life by Reese’s Book Club & the SONIC Foundation and one other donor.We Are The Future Of STEAM
Funded Aug 14, 2019With a full and thankful heart I want to thank you for contributing to the project, We Are The Future of STEAM. Although we have not had the opportunity to engage with all the books received, we have enjoyed the ones we have.
We were able to immediately integrate those books relating to Latino Heritage as the books arrived right in the midst of this study. Celia Cruz, Sonia Sotomayor and Ellen Ochoa spoke to us through our new books. Their lives then became connected to ours. We listened to Celia's music, watched video of Ellen in space, and looked at pictures of Sonia as she grew.
To accent our unit on activism and government we investigated Sylvia Mendez and Ruby Bridges through our new books. We were then able to compare their standing up to existing inequalities to the new generation of activists who are currently bringing awareness to gun control, climate change, and gender equality. The historical activists and the new activists are of all genders and hues, making the unreachable so much closer to my students.
We look forward to continuing our connections to the people highlighted in our new books and hope you know how grateful we are for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Farmer
Sensational Scientists!
Funded Jan 26, 2012Thanks to all of you who helped bring Science alive in our classroom. The students have enjoyed the items that were purchased. The measuring cups, spoons, and tape measures were all used immediately with the measurement unit. Students measured body parts and compared lengths with classmates, discussing who was longer or shorter and how much longer/shorter. They measured baking powder and water to make oobleck on Dr. Seuss Day and measured soil and seed when we planted. Stopwatches were used when determining how long a minute is when performing certain tasks. Students found that sometimes a minute can be a looooong time. Next on the agenda is using the microscopes when studying plants and animals. Students will view a leaf, feather, and fur under the scope to get a real view of what they are made of.
As the teacher, I noticed how excited and willing the students are to do Science. They know that when it is time for Science it will be fun, informative, and interesting. They know that whenever possible they will not just read but also explore the topic using the tools of the scientist. Just a reminder from me that we need to get our other tasks completed so we can get to Science is enough to get everyone in the room focused and attentive.
The scientist tools give the students hands on experience with tools they will use again in later grades and occupations. Making Science part of their everyday life will create learners that are unafraid to question, tackle new experiences, and be curious about their world.
I thank you for helping me share inquiry and exploration with my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Farmer
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 19 other donors.