Past projects 47
Let There Be Art!
Funded May 25, 2016Our class had been in session for about two weeks. We knew our schedule and unfortunately, it did not include art class. I had quite a few budding artists and most loved working with art materials.
When the boxes from Donor's Choose were brought into the class the kids were curious. I gathered them at the rug and together we opened the boxes. It is hard to describe just how excited they were. The were ecstatic. The thought that they would be using clay for projects, painting with acrylic paint using all sizes of brushes delighted them. We talked about how we could incorporate these supplies into our academic curriculum. Most thought we could sketch in our writing notebooks. Others suggested using the clay for Totem Poles in our Native American study. Many thought that we could just have fun at the end of the day and express ourselves with art.
We began by using the supplies to decorate our room. They painted self-portraits. The labeled different centers in the class. They made their own name tags for the desk. The art is allowing them to take ownership of the class. They were very curious about Donors Choose and most could not believe that people who did not know them could be so generous. They were appreciative and thankful. They insisted on writing letters which to you which I can forward if you like. Once again thank you for your generosity. You have made a difference in our class and I know the year will be a better one.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks
An Apple A Day Insures Research Our Way
Funded Aug 26, 2014My students were awestruck to be able to use a brand new Apple computer. After a brief demonstration, they signed up for computer time. Each day person at a table is able to use the computer. Sometimes they choose an electronic book. There are so many math and reading games now available to them. It is ideal for research and they are now able to find many reputable sites. Often they work cooperatively, as well as individually. They help each other learn different ways to use the computer. They are all becoming technologically savvy.
We also use the computer to watch movies, and power point presentations. It is so wonderful to see them totally engaged.
On behalf on myself, and my students, we thank you. You have made our classroom a much more fun and productive place to be.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks
Let's Get Current!
Funded Nov 29, 2013Laughter and joy fill the classroom as my students read about history, and enjoyed fables,and myths through Readers' Theater. My students, many of whom are reluctant readers, enjoyed reading these plays and were able to read them with fluency and comprehension. While reading they became familiar with many different genres. Using these books as models, they wrote their own plays based on historical figures. Learning was fun and creative. The Scholastic magazines were read on a weekly basis. Students became familiar with current events and reading these expanded their world view. Many writing pieces were based on the articles. Of particular interest were articles about saving the planet and the animals that inhabit it. Thank you for making this happen for us. Through both the plays and the articles, the students were engaged and motivated to learn more. Thank you for making this possible.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks
More Erudite eReaders
Funded Jul 29, 2013My kids love technology! These four additional Kindles have made such a difference in our class. We now have seven, allowing each table of four to use one for research, educational games, and shared readings. The students have become very tech savvy and are able to teach each other different ways to use this tablet. Different authors and genres are easy to sample. Using the dictionary during reading has become routine for most students. Reluctant readers are intrigued by reading using the Kindle. There are also many math apps, that are fun and engaging. We thank you for enabling us to make technology a regular part of our learning.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks
He's a Maniac, Maniac!
Funded Jul 27, 2013My students absolutely loved this book. We read it together as a shared reading, followed by intense discussions. We discussed racism, segregation, friendship, death, love, loyalty and other important themes. The students were able to make many thoughtful connections to this book. They expressed empathy for the characters. We laughed together and cried as well. When I stopped reading they would beg for "just one more chapter." So many of my students were reluctant readers or worse, they hated to read. This book opened their eyes to the joy inherent in reading. I was able to model fluency, and they soon were reading with expression as well. We had whole class discussions, and small group conversations. As a culminating activity, some students became the characters in the book who were appearing on a television talk show and they were interviewed by other students in the class.
We were consumed by this book. We thank you for affording us the opportunity to make reading come alive in our class.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks
Joining "Edward Tulane" on his Miraculous Journey
Funded May 20, 2013There is nothing more perfect than a pristine book. My students treasured the beauty of this brand new book. They were delighted that there are people who do not know them but care about them and want them to love reading.
This book is an amazing piece of children's literature. All my students were mesermized during the shared reading of this book. The language is beautiful. The word choice is sophisticated. The changes that the main character go through enable you to understand that hope and change are always possible. As we progressed through this journey we were able to use many reading strategies to deeply understand the story. As I read, my kids would not let me stop. They were engrossed and engaged. At the end most of us, (including me) were teary eyed. This book enabled us to think, discuss, and write about so many important themes. We looked at was is really important in life and how these themes related to our own values.
Students who reluctantly read or listened to books, now can't wait for our next piece of literature. The strategies and discussions that took place for the whole class, now is being employed in small group work as well. Students are listening to each other, and building upon the ideas of their peers. What a wonderful opportunity you provided us with.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks
Erudite Electronic Readers
Funded May 13, 2013Excitement and engagement abounds in our class. The students were astonished and grateful that anyone would be so generous as to donate these amazing Kindle Fires. They couldn't wait to begin using them. They wanted to make sure that you know how much they appreciate the opportunity to use this technology every day. We set up a schedule so everyone would get a chance. Many students worked in pairs, some in groups and some needed to explore them individually.
These E-Readers are being used during independent reading time. Many books have been downloaded on many different reading levels. At their fingertips are many different genres. Certain students prefer listening to books, and can do this as well. Some students use it as a resource when reading their own books. They may use the dictionary or use it to further research a subject. In addition, there are many apps for math, reading, spelling and grammar. Groups of students use it cooperatively when doing a project.
Reluctant readers cannot wait to use these. They love being able to choose books that they are interested in and are on their reading level. All are experimenting with many genres and various authors. Listening to books has improved fluency for lower level readers and has motivated the students to read more. I am seeing joyful readers and learners. They cannot wait to explore and discover the many options available on the Kindle. My teaching incorporates the use of this technology on a daily basis. Students are able to work independently and dig deeper into all subject matter. They are curious and determined to learn more. Students who once did not like reading can't wait to read. Thank you. You have no idea how much you have impacted the lives of my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Parks