Past projects 2
Creature Comforts
Funded Oct 5, 2015Thank you so very much for your generous donations. My students love to use the cushions, pillows and carpet squares to spread out in the classroom and hallway. Throughout the day, students grab a soft place to sit and find a cozy nook or quiet spot where they can read, write, talk or play with each other. The kids love being able to work in the hallway. Now, students from other classrooms are spreading out in the hallway, too.
My class was so excited when they opened the packages! They were thrilled that there were enough materials for everyone. For the first few weeks, they tried out all the different options. Now they've each settled on their favorite type and color!
Again, thank you so much. This has really helped our classroom explore different ways to work with groups, partners and alone. So many of the students have grown as responsible learners and friends by working in the hallway, out of eyesight but within earshot. We're really looking forward to continuing to explore ways of learning that don't involve the traditional model of sitting at a desk for the majority of the day.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Saffady
Play Matters
Funded Sep 15, 2015Thank you so much for your generous donations. My students were thrilled when the dollhouse, dolls, blocks and community toys arrived. Many of the students do not have these play activities at home so when they arrived in the classroom the day truly became a special occasion. They immediately began chatting about how excited they were to explore the new materials.
The resources have been added to our collaborative play materials. Throughout the week children rotate groups and have an opportunity to explore and play with your donations. The kids play on the rug and build different communities. They set up the doll houses and create homes and families. They have a chance to act out what we are learning about.
At first, the kids played with the materials within a group but each taking certain things. Now, they are beginning to collaborate and build together. Just today, I watched four children work together to build a train station in the middle of a town. They took turns and added input into what materials to use for the platform. I also observed three kids negotiate how they should divvy up the furniture for two houses and which family members should go in which house. It was amazing to witness kids working together and communicating their wants and needs without frustration.
I'm am greatly looking forward to observing how these materials are used as the school year progresses. We are only beginning to touch on the study of families and communities but already I see them applying what they are learning. These materials will be priceless and allow them to further internalize their understanding of our social studies curriculum.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Saffady