Past projects 271
Just Right Nonfiction Texts
Funded Mar 27, 2018My first graders were so excited to receive a box of nonfiction and science books that they could access on their own without teacher support. It was exciting to see the twinkle in their eyes and I showed them each book that covered a different topic from spiders to sharks to magnets. After sharing a few books, one student commented, "Those are books that I can READ?!"--he was shocked and excited that these new books were at his reading level and couldn't wait to get his hands on them!
Each student table had new nonfiction books, varying from levels A-J, on the table and students jumped to grab a new book to read with their middle school buddy. Throughout the reading period, I heard students ask questions about the content and saw them point excitedly to the bright pictures. The following day, my first graders requested the science books during buddy reading again--they were turning into scientists!
Since receiving this donation, I have noticed a significant growth in student interest and engagement in around independent reading, as they are mostly choosing the new science books at their level to read. I am hearing more student-generated questions as they share about the information they are learning in their new books. Finally, students are learning about nonfiction text features and writing nonfiction book reports with books they can access because they are engaging and at an accessible reading level. Thank you so much for helping me make nonfiction independent reading exciting and engaging in my first grade class!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.A Multicultural Celebration
Funded Apr 2, 2018The generous donations to our classroom project, "A Multicultural Celebration," has put enormous smiles on the faces of every student in my class. We have been excitedly rehearsing our dance for the past several days and to have real, authentic costumes to supplement has just been the icing on the cake! These costumes have spurred the students' imagination, as well as their motivation! We are really, truly thankful for these costumes!
Thank you for the kind support in helping my students' dreams come true!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
Special Education in Color
Funded Mar 27, 2018While it may seem mundane, a printer is an essential classroom tool. Not having reliable access to a printer has been a huge hindrance and I am so elated that I am now able to use this technology to ensure that all of my students have the work they need to be successful.
Not only does having a printer in the classroom allow me to ensure that I am able to have work available for every student, but it also allows me to print differentiated worksheets for my students will different needs. It is truly an amazing difference!
Thank you much for your generous donation and your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.Classroom Supplies Needed
Funded Dec 24, 2017i want to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks for your support. The supplies have truly made a difference in my classroom! Flu season has hit us in full force, so the students have been using the Lysol wipes and paper towels to consistently disinfect and clean up to minimize exposure to germs. I truly believe it has enabled us to reduce the number of students who have gotten sick. Best of all, the microwave oven has been a resounding success! Students are so excited to have an appliance that allows them to cook and heat up their recipes during "fun centers" each week. Thank you for helping make my students' dreams a reality.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
Learning While Doing
Funded Dec 8, 2017I just wanted to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude towards you for your generous donation to my project. The materials in this project are being utilized by my students on a daily basis. They love learning through play, and the games do exactly that. They get so excited and it's truly heartwarming to see their enthusiasm as they practice their literacy skills. The Roll and Write Blends game is a popular center in our room! I have seen their confidence grow as they practice. Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
Working Hard in First Grade
Funded Jan 8, 2018These supplies have made a huge difference in the learning of my students. We do a lot of small group work, and having the materials organized in a cohesive way has alleviated the loss of instructional time due to cleaning up. The kids love having their own pouches and have stepped up in being responsible for their own materials. They know that an organized classroom means an organized student, which consequently results in a better learning environment for all. We want to thank you for helping to support our learning through your generous donation!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
iCan With An iPad!
Funded Feb 7, 2018My students are excited every day to practice reading as well as math on them! I am able to incorporate the iPads into my reading and math centers. There are some amazing apps out there that are based on the common core standards and give my students much needed practice. Before I had these iPads, my students were using two computers that barely worked. We spent more time trouble shooting problems than learning.
It is unbelievable how engaged the students are while using the iPads. Besides using them during centers, I am able to use them as interventions to help students who are struggling with phonics and math. Some of my students are still working on number identification and letter names and letter sounds and Instead of doing something like flashcards, students are able to play games that they love! I truly feel like my students are learning so much using this technology.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your donation! It means so much to my little guys.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
Rewarding Positive Behavior
Funded Feb 4, 2018Thank you so, so much for helping to fund this fun project.
Think back to the last time someone put a smiley face on your breakfast tab or put a heart in the foam in your morning latte. It made your day, right? Let's face it - it's the little things - and first grade is no different.
My students are so motivated by positive words, little trinkets - and recognition. Your donation helped to fill our prize box so that students are able to get those little trinkets more often to mark their amazing successes!
Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
Let’s Use Scholastic News!
Funded Dec 14, 2017I want to thank you for your generosity in supporting our class this year through the purchase of Scholastic News. This is the second year that I have ever read Scholastic News: Let's Find Out with my students and it has been a wonderful gift! It can be extremely difficult to read nonfiction texts with young students and keep their attention. My students are engaged and excited about reading their issues every week. The photos are captivating and allow students to think about the world around them, especially science-related subjects like changes in seasons and how a pumpkin grows. The best part is that students have a magazine every week to take home to read with their families! In an inner city, urban school, this makes a huge difference because many families do not have books or magazines to read at home with their children.
I have noticed some positive changes in my class this year as a result of reading Scholastic News magazines. For example, I noticed right away that students began to track print from left to right as they read the magazine aloud with me. Every week we discuss the magazine, answer the questions, do the activity and practice reading aloud as the narrator on the Scholastic website reads aloud. This allows my students to practice reading with one to one correspondence as they point to each word. I have also noticed that when I am reading other nonfiction texts, students are able to transfer their knowledge of nonfiction features that we have seen in Scholastic News. For example, titles and headings, charts, labels, and diagrams are all nonfiction vocabulary words that students are now able to use.
I am thankful for people like you who choose to donate to our school projects. It may not seem like a big deal, but it makes a huge difference in the lives of children. My students this year are accelerating their understanding of concepts of print, and it is great to know that you were able to be a part of their growth.
Thank you again for supporting our classroom and helping teach children that reading is fun, informative, and valuable!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski
Supplies Needed!
Funded Nov 8, 2017The supplies obtained through this project has impacted our first grade classroom in a positive way. We are now able to smoothly transition from one activity/ subject into the next with limited distractions. The pocket chart has done wonders for our organization of Fundations phonics materials. The kids are able to access it with no issues and it has helped them grasp concepts faster, as well. The retractable dry erase markers are very cool, too! The kids love that they don't need to be responsible for a cap :) Thanks for your support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Rudzinski