Past projects 4
Flexible Learners Are Successful Learners
Funded Nov 17, 2023Thank you so much for your generous donations. The excitement that reverberated through the room when the items arrived was unbelievable! The students asked where we got the chairs from. When I explained they were donated by strangers, a conversation began about how the kindness of strangers can be so impactful.
My students have used these chairs during class lectures/minilessons, as a reward for reaching goals, and to enjoy reading time. It has helped reluctant readers to find a "warm and comfotrable space" to be more motivated to read independently.
One of the unexpected joys that came with this flexible seating has been the students taking the initiative in planning how these materials would be used. They decided to work together to come up with a schedule, and they are also implementing this schedule without any help from me! This is such a great life learning experience.
Thank you again for makeing this year amazing!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nabi
Making History: Connecting to Historical Fiction
Funded Aug 1, 2019I can't thank you enough for your donation to my classroom. Nothing is more heartwarming than opening a package of books and having the students so excited they can't stay in their seats! As I laid the books out on the counter and explain to the students exactly what they were, they were already buzzing about which ones they wanted to read, real life historical figures that they recognized, and a few even read one or two of the books previously and were recommending them to other students.
In our district we do Columbia's Reading Workshop as our reading program. One of the very important parts of this program is that students self select the texts that they would like to read. Many of these picture books were at a variety of levels, so that all the readers in my class had numerous options. Another great thing about picture books is that they work very well for shared or partner reading.
We will be using these books instructional aid during our historical fiction unit. Within this unit, students will use fiction texts to learn about history, as well as explore the genre on its own. We then move on to talk about themes and life lessons that students can learn from history about how to treat others, as well as finding pride in their own backgrounds. These books will be such a great addition to the texts we already have to help us reach these goals.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nabi
This classroom project was brought to life by Yellow Chair Foundation and 9 other donors.Sometimes Things Are Black And White
Funded Oct 18, 2013Thank you so much for your donation. When I first wrote this grant, I knew that a printer in my classroom would allow me to be a more effective educator. Since it has been a few years since I've had easy access to printer, I forgot all the other "little" things that having this printer would help me to do. It has been quite the time-saver! I no longer have to run to the other side of the building every time I print a single page, fearing that another teacher will pick it up by accident, and then I would have to come back to my classroom, print it again, and go back to the lab, (although it was a good workout!)
I use this printer multiple times daily to print extra worksheets for students that may have lost or destroyed a page. I no longer have to copy numerous extras which waster paper. This printer allows me to print them as I need them.
Additionally, I have one student who needs most assignments modified. Having the printer allows me to quickly adjust hw and classwork assignments as necessary on the spot.
Most of all, it allows me to teach "on the cuff" and take advantage of teachable moments. We have been working on a new strategy called "close reading." The other day a student related the core of this type of assignment to listening to music, but not focusing on the actual meaning of the songs. We immediately printed the words to Katy Perry's "Roar" and the students did their close reading assignment with this text. It was powerful and high interest at the same time.
Again, thank you for making a difference in the life of a child, and the effectiveness of a teacher!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nabi
A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words
Funded Oct 7, 2012Thank you for your donation. My students found it exciting that people that didn't know them would donate to their education. They also love having their work highlighted on the board using the Elmo projector.
As a teacher, I can't tell you how much this tool has added to our classroom. It gives me the opportunity to adjust lessons in a way that make them more effective. Additionally, it is a time-saver, keeping me from having to make endless trips to the scanner. The positive impact that it has on the environment (no more endless copies,) also makes it a huge benefit.
Thank you for making a difference in the life of a child!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Nabi