Past projects 3
Seating Options in the Classroom
Funded Nov 10, 2019My students were so excited about the new seating options in the classroom. When they came in and saw the set up they could not wait for the opportunity to use it. After going over the protocol for the flexible seating, the students were anxious to try out the seats and find seating that worked best for them.
Whether it is independent or group work, the seating options have enhanced the classroom experience. The black foldable floor seat and easy to move. Students have brought them together to make a circle during cooperative learning and also used them in various areas of the room for independent assignments. The clipboards help make this seating functional.
The desks are perfect for students who are looking for extra space in a work area. The side baskets also help to contain their belongings from other classes. It is great for students who need a little help with organization! These tables also work nicely when I want to confer with a student about their work.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. G.
Experiencing the Holocaust Through Graphic Novel
Funded Dec 31, 2017Thank you so much for your generous donation to my classroom! This will be my 6th year using novels to teach the Holocaust to 6th grade students. This unit is usually a favorite among all of the students as it opens their eyes, and their hearts, to a world outside of their own. The students are continuously showing their curiosity of this time period and expanding their knowledge and understanding. It is a period in time that must continue to be taught, understood, and evaluated so that as a society we can continue to speak up for the voiceless.
In the past, we have read the historical fiction novel, Milkweed, and will continue to do so, but I felt it important to add to the unit. My hope for this year was to add a high interest, nonfiction text into the mix – and Maus does just that! Many of my students are reading well below grade level and I have had difficulty finding high-interest, non-fiction texts that they could access in the past. The graphic novel style that this book is presented in, and the use to portray the characters as cat and mouse, makes this biographical book more accessible and relatable to all readers in my classroom.
Students will read the book independently and work in small groups to dig deeper, a section at a time. During these groups we will check for understanding of the content, as well as work on our higher order thinking skills as we do things such as make inferences and apply our reading to the world around us. We will use this information to hold whole group discussions. During this time, we will connect Maus to Milkweed, as well as other resources – print, image, and video that enhance our understanding.
Thank you for giving my students this wonderful opportunity, we are all grateful for your generosity in helping us enhance our learning experience.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. G.
Bring in Technology
Funded Aug 22, 2015I would like to thank you for donating to help bringing an Apple TV and iPad Mini into my classroom. The use of the iPad in the classroom allows students to access another world outside of that that can be reached through textbooks and novels. For example, when introducing students to South America, they were able to take a virtual tour across the continent. They were able to research places that were touched upon in their textbook, but also explore new areas. We have been able to use the Apple TV to project presentations, both teacher and student created.
My students most enjoy using the iPad as a resource when they are reading their novels. One particular group was reading a great text called "Wonder". The main character was called Major Tom by his classmate and the students were unable to understand the reference. They looked it up, listened to the song, and were able to have a discussion and draw parallels in order to make a connection.
Most of my students have enjoyed the opportunity to use the iPad. My higher level students use it as a means to enhance their learning. I have also had my struggling students use it as a means of pairing unfamiliar vocabulary words or concepts with a visual representation. Thank you again for allowing my students to enhance their learning through the use of technology. It has been a great way to start the year and I know its positive use will only continue!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. G.