Past projects 6
Today a Reader, Tomorrow a Leader!
Funded Dec 25, 2024Thank you for donating the books to add to our classroom library. I wish you could have seen the excitement in my students' eyes. Their eyes lit up just seeing all the books. They have been eager to read and can't wait to dive into the next story.
Their rich discussions about the books have truly enhanced our learning environment, and the excitement for reading has significantly increased. Students that once lacked excitement for reading, have now gained excitement and are literally asking me when they can sign out their next book.
We are forever grateful for your generosity.
Warm regards,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard”
With gratitude,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard
School Supplies Rescue Us!!
Funded Mar 27, 2018My class received our donated supplies toward the end of the past school year. Despite the timing, that didn't stop them from delving right into them. At the time the supplies arrived, we were pretty low on pencils, glue sticks, tape, wipes, and chart paper. The pencil monitors immediately got to work to sharpen the pencils so they could be of use to the class. The chart paper came in handy for our anchor charts, and also the students used them for small group presentations reflecting their immigration unit. Lastly, at the end of the school year the Lysol wipes were so helpful in aiding in the cleanup process.
When we were told that our supplies had arrived the students became very excited! Most of the students had their hands up volunteering to go down to the main office to help collect the supplies. The second most exciting part was opening the boxes.
Currently we have just started a new school year. We are grateful that we still have these supplies that will take us far in the school year. The chart paper will serve the teachers well in creating anchor charts and also allowing the students to do small group work, especially when they have to make presentations. Today (9/06/18) the students also put the crayons, glue sticks, construction paper, and computer paper to good use when they were decorating their reading and writing notebooks. The students used the construction paper to first cover their notebooks. They then chose motivational phrases that the teachers printed out and glued it on their books. When they were all done they had beautiful and unique notebooks that said a lot about them.
Once again, we are extremely thankful to our donors for the generous donations! You have truly made a difference in our lives!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.Walking Through the Rhythm of West Africa
Funded Feb 13, 2018When the drums were received it came at approximately the right time, because our students had just started an after school program with Marquis Studios, where they were learning how to play the Djembe drums. For six weeks on Fridays after school, the Marquis instructor came to our school. During the final week the students had a showcase where they performed for the school and members of the Marquis organization. In addition, my students and I are now practicing for an end of year performance. My principal announced that all the classes had to do some sort of activity of their choice. My class chose to celebrate the end of a successful school year, the way their ancestors celebrated a successful harvest. They will drum and dance.
The students were super excited when they saw the drums. They ran toward the boxes and began to tear them open. Without any direction they began to drum and make their own beats. They wanted to know how the drums could be incorporated into their classroom routines.
During the next school year my co-teacher and I are looking at ways we can incorporate drumming into our routine. Since I was assisting the drumming teacher in after school I have learned a little how to drum with the Djembe. We are thinking of allowing either every week or every other week, a thirty minute period for Djembe drumming. We will then have a small showcase for school staff and parents toward the end of the school year.
We are excited for the many ways will be incorporating Djembe drumming into our class routine. Once again, thanks to all involved!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard
Document Camera to the Rescue!
Funded Jan 3, 2016First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for your generosity towards the document camera that was much needed in my classroom. For a long time I have been telling my students that I would try to get our own personal document camera. Prior to finally getting this one, occasionally I would borrow the document camera belonging to the other 4th grade class. I noticed how engaged my students were, excited about the lesson, and so much more willing to learn. Thanks to you all the document camera has become part of our daily lessons. The document camera has allowed me to clearly model lessons that are visible to the entire class. In the past while using chart paper some of my 27 students always had to finagle themselves on the carpet in order to get a good view. Now they are able to see no matter where they are sitting on the carpet. It also allows me to zoom in on very small texts that I find valuable. During reading it has especially been helping during my teaching because while teaching my skill/strategy I can place the read aloud under the document camera so the students can view what I am referring to as I read.
Furthermore, it allows my students to be teachers as well, especially when they are coming up to show their peers in demonstration. Even my shyest students are volunteering to answer or demonstrate. I think the most exciting part is the fact that the information gets magnified. It is sort of like watching a movie I guess to the kids. I'm also seeing my kids become excited when they see their work magnified for the whole class to see. Truthfully speaking it makes them feel important.
Lastly, as mentioned before, I'm seeing some of my shyest and quietest students come to life. I have two students in particular that are pretty much very shy. Even though we have been together for three years already, they still haven't fully come out of their shell. In class they don't volunteer to share their ideas or join in discussions, but since the document camera has come they have volunteered to demonstrate their ideas and solutions in solving mathematical problems. One of those students in particular wasn't truly sure of her solution path, but chose to share it with the class anyway. This just goes to show the power of technology and its impact on students and learning. The document camera has been a great addition to our classroom and we are truly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard
Stolen iPads Have Left My Students with a Technology Void!
Funded Oct 27, 2015The ipads have been a great addition to our classroom. I am honored to write this letter to express my gratitude for your very generous donation to my classroom. I am very much aware that there are many projects that you could have chosen and so I am grateful that you chose mine. It came just in time for our new social studies and reading unit. My class has been diligently researching information about the Algonquin and Iroquois Indians. Also, in reading we have just began a research unit where students are taught research skills and strategies. In addition, my students have been using the iPads to practice remedial and advanced math skills once they are done with their primary work.
When our previous iPads were stolen my students became very upset. One student mentioned that we were in a really bad situation because unlike some schools, we don't have a computer lab that they could go to research and get necessary information. Once the iPads came they felt relieved. The iPads allow for the students to be independent and use alternative ways of locating ideas and information other than that of a teacher.
My more advanced and slightly below average students have especially warmed up to the new iPads. My advanced students get to engage in challenging math problems and puzzles once they have completed their work. My slightly below level students get to practice math topics that they need strengthening in. They don't really see it as work because they are having fun. In some form or another my entire class has and is benefiting from the iPads. Once again , from the bottom of my heart I humbly say, "Thank You."”
With gratitude,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard
Countless Opportunities Through Reading!
Funded Apr 22, 2015Once again I want to thank each and every one of you for your generous, thoughtful and deliberate act of kindness. When I finally received word that my project was fully funded, I couldn't wait to share the good news with my students. They were all smiles and continued to ask me when the books would arrive. Well, this past Friday, May 2nd the books finally arrived. My kids were beyond ecstatic! We were all so happy. We actually had to take a quick pause from our lesson to quickly preview some of the books. They initially thanked me and I told them this was actually bigger than me. I went on to tell them that they would have the opportunity to thank our generous donors on their own. They can't wait to begin writing their letters.
Today during morning meeting I allowed my students to choose two of the new books to place in their reading basket. I spent Friday afternoon and evening actually leveling the books so it would be easier for my students to select. All of my students started reading their new books during independent reading. The students that are on a lower reading level actually finished reading one of their books and are eagerly waiting for tomorrow's independent reading session so they can begin another. I will also be using one of the newly ordered books as a mentor text for my upcoming biography reading unit. I can't wait, as biographies are one of my favorite genres.
As a teacher I am fully aware that one cannot be a good reader without reading. Having a variety of books on high-interest levels can aid my students in becoming better readers. As my students read daily on a variety of texts their knowledge will be more than it was the day before. Reading is one of the most simple ways that students can be taken on various adventures, all in the comfort of their seat, cuddling on the carpet or just relaxed in any chosen corner of the classroom. Today I conferred with a couple of my students during independent reading, and it's unbelievable how much passion and how rich the conversations can be when students are interested and vested in what they are reading! Taking the time to start this project was well worth it. Thanks again for being our angels on earth!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Koroma-Bernard
This classroom project was brought to life by AKJ Books and 3 other donors.