Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves' Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 40

• Bath Mats for Personal Space

  Funded Feb 18, 2016

  My students were very excited when the secretary brought our box down. They wanted to know what was inside and if it was something for them to play with or use. I told the kids there were bath mats inside the box and they thought I was crazy. I didn't open the box for a couple of days because I wanted to get two laundry baskets for my class to store the bath mats in. I opened the box, took all the tags off, and got the rugs rolled up.

  Yesterday we used the rugs for the first time. I taught the kids how to roll them up and put them in the same basket they took the rug from. We used them today also. So far the kids are doing a good job with them. They love getting a clipboard and finding a spot in the room to sit or lay on a rug. I am excited to see how it works this year. Next year we are suppose to have around 30 kids in our classes and we will not have room at the tables for everyone. I wanted to try the rugs this year to see how they would work so I would know if I could move my tables into storage for next year.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Hot Dots

  Funded Jan 25, 2016

  Thank you for the generous donation for my Hot Dots Project. My class was so excited when the boxes came and I opened them up. I ordered just enough batteries for all of the pens and for about 10 kids to use the Hot Dots at once.

  To introduce the Hot Dots to my class and make sure they use them correctly, I will work with my small groups during Reading Centers. I want to make sure my students know the proper way to use the materials and understand the importance of using them correctly so the materials will last for years.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Wanted: Classroom Library!

  Funded Oct 29, 2015

  Thank you so much for the generous donations that made this project possible. My students were so excited when the boxes arrived. I told the class that some amazing people helped our class get a mobile book cart and books for the classroom. Their eyes lit up and they got giant smiles on their faces. Some of the kids jumped up and said "Yeah,"

  After I got the cart put together and all the books in the right spot, I wheeled the cart over to our circle and taught the students the rules. I told them how important it was to take care of the books and put them back in the spot they found them. The class has been practicing during Reading Centers in small groups. They haven't quite got the rules down yet, but after Christmas Break I will stay at the center with them to help them.

  The kids love reading the books and it is there favorite place to go read.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Reading, Writing, Math, and Morning Meeting Too

  Funded Feb 10, 2015

  Thank you very much for your donation. My class was so excited when the box from Lakeshore arrived. They couldn't wait to see what was inside.

  We have only used the Let's Get Talking Prompt box so far. The kids love it! They can't wait to hear what the question is going to be and it has started making our classroom community that much stronger.

  We will use the Class Ten Frames and the Storytelling box after Spring Break. I showed them to the class and they are very excited about using the ten frames to practice addition and subtraction and the storytelling box to write stories.

  Thank you again for your generous donation.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Small Group Games

  Funded Jan 26, 2015

  My students were so excited when the four big boxes from Lakeshore Learning arrived in my classroom. I opened the boxes up right away to show my students what wonderful materials we received. I am still unwrapping the materials. We have begun using a few of the materials, but have not used everything yet.

  I have put the puppet theater together and will be making one corner of the classroom into a dramatic/retelling center.

  This project will boost my teaching by allowing me to use ready made materials in small group. The materials come with easy to follow directions, so that the students are able to use the materials independently.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Listening Center

  Funded Sep 7, 2014

  Thank you for funding my listening center project! My class is so excited to use it. They all watched while I unpacked the boxes and asked questions about each item I unwrapped. All we are waiting on is batteries and we will be ready to use it.

  The listening center will be a favorite center for my class. It will help my students with their literacy skills while allowing me to work one on one or in a small group with students. The listening center will also greatly help my ELL students! They are not able to hear fluent English speakers at home.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Interactive Computer Games

  Funded Sep 17, 2014

  Thank you so much in helping to fund my Interactive Computer Games project. My students were so excited when the box arrived and I opened it. I showed my students all the games and the interactive calendar time CDs that we will be able to use.

  We have not been able to use them yet because I am waiting on an IT person to load them on the computer for us. Through the use of a few interactive games I have already, I know that this project will boost my students' learning by allowing me to work one on one with students, in small groups, or with the whole class.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Chair Pocket Organizers

  Funded Aug 23, 2014

  My students were so excited when the chair pockets arrived and even more excited when I passed them out. So far I have given my students two things to keep in their pockets and then we will add more in the next few weeks.

  My students and I are using the chair pockets to keep some of their supplies in so that they will be right at their finger tips. This allows us to increase the time on task in the classroom and decrease the amount of time it takes to pass out journals and notebooks. The chair pockets will also allow my students to learn to take responsibility of their supplies and become organized.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

  This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 4 other donors.

• Discovery Tower

  Funded Dec 18, 2013

  Thank you very much for your generous donation. My students were so excited when we received the Discovery Tower. Their smiles lite up their faces.

  My students and I have really been enjoying the Discovery Tower so far. The tower has 24 clear tubs so it is easy for my students and I to see what is in each tub. I have put 12 literacy activities and 12 math activities in the tubs. The students can go get a tub first thing in the morning or when they have finished their work. The tubs are easy for my students to get in and out. The tower has wheels which allows me to move it around the room and can be accessed on all sides.

  The tower has helped us be more organized by giving us a place to put the literacy and math games. Before we received the tower the games were piled on the sensory table or in the bathroom and not easily accessible.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves

• Help Kindergarteners Make Their Own Books

  Funded Oct 10, 2013

  I can't fully express my excitement and thanks for your donation to my project. It is great to see that you share my vision in the importance of children creating their own books.

  The blank books that you have funded will enable students to become authors and illustrators of their own books. This will help them to open their imagination and creativity. My students will also be able to apply their knowledge of the writing process and the parts of a story when creating their own books.

  My students were very excited when I showed them the blank books and explained to them that they would be making their own books this year.

  I have begun teaching them about authors and illustrators as well as the parts to a story. My students will begin to learn how to write their own story and make several rough drafts before beginning their final copy on the blank books.

  My students and I are very grateful for your generosity and I look forward to sending you thank you notes from my class and pictures.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Wiszneauckas-Reeves