Past projects 9
Help Us Do The Write Thing!
Funded Dec 31, 2012Thank you so much for your generous donations to my proposal for writing workbooks! The workbooks will help not only students, but teachers, because they contain practice pages and exercises for students, and informative, creative lesson plans for teachers! We have already started using the workbooks and they are such a welcome supplement to our existing curriculum.
Second and third graders are learning to write interesting introduction sentences and are practicing writing in paragraphs, while fourth and fifth graders are learning to identify different genres of essays. Soon they will begin writing persuasive essays about topics of their choice! We are using some of the graphic organizers and worksheets in the books you donated to get us started!
Without amazing supporters like you all, I would not have the wide variety of resources I have in my classroom today. Words cannot express how thankful I am for your support! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Smart Students Need Smart Technology!
Funded Dec 29, 2011Thank you again for your generous donations to my project on Donor's Choose! The Toshiba Thrive Tablet arrived last week and we have already begun to use it in the classroom. The children are so excited to have this new piece of technology in the classroom and squeal with delight every time they see it, as they ask "Are we going to use the i-pad today?" After clarifying for them that a different company has produced the tablet that we are so lucky to use, we proceed with the daily instruction, which is now so much more exciting with the use of the Toshiba Thrive tablet!
After using the tablet for about a week, I have realized that there are countless new ways that I can incorporate the tablet into my instruction, that I did not realize when I first posted my proposal. Initially, I planned on using the tablet to enhance instruction the way a smartboard might---by using it to show students images of unknown vocabulary, educational videos to enhance instruction, and to access audiobooks. However, I've realized that there are so many other features on the tablet that I can use in my daily instruction! For example, the tablet has a video camera with special effects and software that easily allows the addition of music and voice records--which we can use in the classroom to record reader's theater skits and multiplication rap songs that students have learned. In addition, there are many free applications with fun games that students can use to improve their memory skills. And of course, there are many academic applications such as multiplication flashcards and phonics activities that are made much more exciting for students when they are allowed to access them on the tablet!
Last week, I used the tablet in my literacy centers. You will see these in some of the photos that I uploaded. During literacy centers, I can differentiate my instruction so that students are practicing a skill that they need additional help in, in the form of a fun game or activity. During this time, I can individually work with students on skills with which they need one-on-one instruction. In the photos, all of the materials that you see were obtained from Donor's Choose. As you can see, the generous donations of donors like you have had a huge impact on my daily instruction.
You have touched the lives of the 30 students on my caseload this year, and for many years to come. Thank you again for your support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Help Us Learn Our Sight Words in a Snap!
Funded Dec 19, 2010Thank you so much for donating to my project. The Snapwords flash cards that you purchased have already made a difference in my students reading progress. We have only been using them for a few months, but students are already recognizing and spelling these words more easily! In addition, their reading levels have gone up!
The pictures that are drawn "into" each word allow students to associate a visual with each word. This is key for students who struggle with dyslexia. Sometimes, words just look like squiggly lines to them. These cards make high frequency words easier for them to remember, which gives them more confidence in their reading ability!
I cannot thank you enough for your kind generosity! You have made a huge difference in the lives of my students. Thank you so much!!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
This classroom project was brought to life by Wells Fargo and 4 other donors.Talking Dictionaries Help Struggling Spellers!
Funded Nov 5, 2010Thank you so much for donating to my proposal for Franklin electronic dictionaries! We have started using the dictionaries and my students are so excited about them! Many of my students have dyslexia and struggle with spelling. They are very smart and have excellent vocabularies but their dyslexia sometimes prevents them from being able to spell more difficult vocabulary words. This dictionaries allow them to feel more capable and confident in the classroom!
In addition, the kids are extremely motivated by the dictionaries because they look like little handheld video game consoles and they feel privileged to be able to use them! There are also games on the dictionaries that serve as a motivating reward for a job well done!
I cannot thank you enough for your kind generosity! I wish you a very happy new year. You have truly made a difference in my classroom. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Tech-Savvy Students Need A Computer Station!
Funded Nov 5, 2010Thank you so much for funding my proposal for a new computer desk in my classroom! Previously, we had the computers on two tiny tables meant for Kindergarten students! They were wobbly and it was hard for my students, who are in grades 1 through 5, to fit underneath them!
I teach students with disabilities and the computer is such a motivating and engaging tool for them. There are so many effective computer intervention programs that I use in my class, and now that we have a new computer desks my students can sit comfortably!
The new desk you purchased for us also looks beautiful and makes my classroom a more warm and inviting place. Many of my students are poor and do not have nice things at home. Coming to a nicely furnished, clean classroom with sturdy furniture makes them feel safe and stable.
My students love the new computer desk you purchased and how much more willing I am to let them use the computers now that they have a safe, sturdy desk to use! Thank you so much for your kind generosity! ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Bring Books to Life with Books on CD!
Funded Dec 7, 2009I just want to send a big "Thank you!" for your generous donation to my classroom. The cd players, headsets, and books on CD that your donation helped purchase are helping many of my students in grades 2 through 5 read books that they are really excited about!
Many of my students have dyslexia and are reading below grade level. With the books on CD, they can read longer, more sophisticated books. This makes them more confident, lets them learn new vocabulary words, and practice higher level reading comprehension skills. As a result, they are thriving in the classroom and improving their academic performance.
We are currently in the middle of a budget crisis, and your donation has helped my students so much! There is no money for extra supplies, so words cannot express how much I appreciate your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Music Needed for Multiplication Mastery!
Funded Sep 18, 2008Thank you so much for funding my proposal! My students are going to fall in love with this music! And I am 100% sure that it is going to help them memorize their multiplication tables, which will pave the road to success for them as the math topics they study become complex.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you again for your kindness”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Reading Comprehension "Hot Dots" Story Cards
Funded Dec 18, 2007Thank you so much for funding the Reading Comprehension Hot Dots! This is such a wonderful holiday surprise for my students and me. I cannot express my great appreciation for your generosity in words alone! These materials will be extremely useful in making reading comprehension instruction more interactive and exciting! Thank you again, and Happy Holidays”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price
Reading Puzzles Needed for Special Ed Classroom
Funded Oct 18, 2007Thank you so much for funding my request for the Basic Skills Reading puzzles! These puzzles will help provide my hardworking young readers with a multi-sensory, hands on approach to reading! Teaching tools like this allow me to differentiate in my resource room so all students can work on the specific skills they need help with, and practice independently when I am working on a different skill with another student.
I will send you photos of my students in action using the wonderful puzzles you have so generously purchased for us!
Thank you again, your support means so much”
With gratitude,
Ms. Price