Past projects 13
Binding Our Stories Into Published Books!
Funded Nov 17, 2017We have published our first round of books from our How To writing unit! After days of editing, I announced it was time to turn our stapled pages into amazing books. My students worked hard to illustrate eye catching covers with our newly purchased paper assortment. Then the big moment came when I pulled out the binding machine. The class erupted in cheers and asked a million questions about how it worked. So, instead of telling them I showed them and together we created our first book. They were elated and could not wait until our publishing party to show them off to the parents and administration. Our parents were very impressed with our display of bound How To books.
When the supplies first arrived, I left them in the box in the middle of the meeting area. When the students came in from lunch there were quiet wonderings whispered back and forth. I slid the box over so they could all come to the carpet and open the box with me. After explaining how I had create a project on Donors Choose and with help from donors like you, our project was funded and the supplies had arrived. They did a drum roll as I opened the box and clapped as I took each supply out. One student said, "that was really nice of them to give us these."
And we are not done using the binding machine as we are now working hard on persuasive writing. We are busy giving our opinions on everything - toys, food, stores, books, movies, you name it we are giving an opinion about it! When we are all out of opinions we will be binding a collection together!
An enormous shout out to our donors from my students and myself, as we could not have done this without you!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Austin
Hands-on Language Builders
Funded Mar 28, 2017My students are overly excited to have these new resources to use during center and independent time. I left the box on our round table for them to see when they returned from lunch. There were a few curious "what's in the box?" looks upon return and they eagerly awaited for me to call them all to carpet. Where they sat whispering as I walked over with the box. I slowly opened the box and when I introduced the new resources to the students their faces light up. They were clapping with excitement as each resources was pulled out.
We have been using them to help reinforce our learning. One group of students love to sit with the long vowel board game and have created their own rules now. A group of newcomers are using the sight word string up to practice identifying letters to build their vocabulary. I try to incorporate the resources throughout the week and during "fun Friday". My students love using manipulates as they see it as playing, when really they are developing their skills and building independence as well as much needed social skills.
These resources are not only helping this group of students to develop language skills, but many more to come. And I would like to express my gratitude to you all for your generous donations.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Austin
Literacy Centers to Make Learning EXCITING!
Funded Mar 11, 2016My students love using their new games during center time. To start center time, I call out names to send them to different tables to play the games. Little hands fly up in the air now and there's cheers when they get to start with one of their favorite game. They spend about 20 mins or so on a game before we rotate to the next game. One student told me he didn't need to rotate he could play the Extra, Extra Information game all day!
When the materials arrived I left them in the middle of the carpet in the big, brown box. As the students came in the room from lunch they questioned what was inside. I had them come to sit on the carpet and told them about the project and how you graciously donated the funds so we could have new centers. Eyes lit up! I slowly pulled out each game and answered all the questions they had about each one. We opened them up and started to play!
The literacy centers have opened new doors for my students. We are playing and learning as well as socializing. They have shown me who needs more work with comprehension, phonic, and vocabulary development allowing me to develop lessons or small groups to build on these skills.
We really appreciate your kindness!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Austin
This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and one other donor.