Past projects 5
Movement and Choices in Learning
Funded Nov 29, 2016Our class is so excited to be using the materials from this grant. The students are learning about how they learn best, which will be a life-long benefit. Some students need to wiggle in a school appropriate way, and the air stability cushions are saving the day! Most of the kids have tried the cushions on their chair and have learned if it is a good fit for them or not.
The bouncy bands are another way for the students to wiggle and be school appropriate. Again, most students have tried the bands on chairs and have found if it is a tool or a toy and adjusted accordingly. It has been awesome!
The trampoline is a great addition to use as a reward for effort and the need to move throughout the school day. And there is a line to use it when we have to have inside recess.
The couch and soft seats are in demand for independent work and reading time. We have to keep a list for whose turn is next.
The student have enjoyed learning about their learning styles, moving during class and want to thank you for your donations to this project.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bartel
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 10 other donors.Colorful Carpet for Teaching Time and Independent Learning
Funded Sep 19, 2015The students were so excited to see the BIG carpet carried into our room. They were so excited for us to unwrap it and have a look.
Having the carpet, with squares, allows the students to have a "space" to sit. It helps us to sit together to learn without being crowding or being too far apart. The carpet is also a place that individuals or groups of children can learn together (by sitting or laying down). We can even use the carpet for math lessons (graphing or as a tens frame).
Thank you for supporting this project that is so versatile in our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bartel
Cube Chairs For Alternative Seating
Funded Aug 31, 2015When the students saw the Cube Chairs, and then used them, they were ecstatic! We have to have a "usage" chart, so that everyone can have a chance to use the chairs.
The students use the Cube Chairs for whole group lessons and then for independent or partner work. They have used the chairs as chairs and as tables. It has been so helpful for the wiggly ones. The chairs give them a space to be and helps them to get organized to learn.
The more focused the children are, the better they learn, so these chairs have been great. I am so excited to see the children use the chairs more as the year progresses and watch who benefits the most.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bartel
Energetic First Graders Need To Move While Learning
Funded Jun 25, 2015You may have heard the excitement as we opened the first box that had a Hokki Stool in it. Even the school secretary and principal came to see the new stools. The students were so excited to sit on the stool. Each child got a quick turn to sit on one before they headed out to a special class.
The students use the stools when working at the "Teaching Table" and the students take turns (by day) to sit on the stools when they are on the floor for direct instruction. I had to make a schedule, because there was so much conversation about who got to sit on one. Every child wants one all day long!
The stools have allowed the students to be mildly active while listening, learning and working. The students are also learning how to move without distracting themselves or others, which is a great life-long skill to have.
Thank you again for your support of my project!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bartel
Digital Books for My Young Readers
Funded Jul 10, 2012This is just a small token of my gratitude for your generous donation to my classroom. The iPods that you donated have helped my students every day. They have listened to stories for fun, and to hear what fluent reading sounds like.
My students have enjoyed being independent learners with the iPods. They have also learned how to help each other when they have a question about using the iPods.
In these times of limited resources and trying to reach and teach 21st century learners, our class is able to use technology to increase their foundational skills.
Thank you again for supporting my classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bartel