Past projects 4
Art Makes Us SMART!
Funded Jul 27, 2018We are absolutely loving our new art supplies! We have been able to use our paint pens and Sharpies to decorate our Native American vests for our annual Pow Wow. We have also used our oil pastels to create our self-portraits and describe our favorite characteristics. The paint pallets are so useful while using tempera and acrylics! The students are able to mix colors and discover new tints and shades while painting.
When my students first saw the materials, they were so excited! They wanted to get in to them right away. We had started planning our thoughts for our Native American vests, and they were so ready to draw them with their "special" pens. They were also so thankful that people they didn't even know, were so nice and kind to donate materials to our class. They expressed their thankfulness several times while using the resources.
The next steps for our students using these resources, are to continue using arts-integrated lessons to help cement learning! Students respond so well to authentic arts-experiences, and our test scores show it. They are engaged in the lessons, and their curiosity is sparked just by the enjoyment of using these materials. We will continue to use our art supplies and materials to showcase character details, main idea, sequencing, and math concepts. We thank you again for your generosity and compassion to education!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hilliard
This classroom project was brought to life by Ned and Nathalie Fund and 5 other donors.Don't Wait-Build and Create!
Funded Jun 22, 2018We are absolutely loving our new resources! The kids are enjoying building with the Lego sets, and planning future structures! They are working together to solve problems, share, and socialize. During our free centers, students are able to visit the block/building center where they can follow directions from the pictures to build their new creations. Students have told me how much they enjoy finding the right pieces to go along with whatever structure they choose to build. During our unit on transportation, students were able to build various types of transportation and then write describing sentences about them. They shared these creations with classmates and other teachers!
When the students first saw the materials, they could not believe they were for them. Just the boxes coming in, with the pictures of the block sets on the sides got them very excited! They eagerly anticipated the opening of the materials, and couldn't wait to start building with their new Legos!
The next steps for my students with these resources are to challenge them to think outside the box with the materials. Can you build your tower a little higher? What makes his or her building stronger? What can you do to support the base of your structure? I want to challenge my students to not only follow directions and create some of the examples, but also come up with new ideas! I also always encourage my students to explain why or how something worked or didn't work. I plan to create a new project that involves a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) based lesson. I hope to acquire a love for learning from all my students with this type of instruction.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hilliard
Team Read!
Funded Aug 22, 2015Thank you so much for our new horseshoe table! We absolutely love it and use it every day. My students are doing much better on their projects and assessments due to us being able to have more small group instruction. We use our new table for our reading groups, small math groups, and interventions every day of the week! We have also worked on our art projects, held writing conferences, and used manipulatives on our new table. The students love the space and room they have to work on individual and group assignments.
When the students first saw the table being put together their faces lit up with excitement! They couldn't believe we were getting a new space to learn. They loved watching it being assembled and asked lots of questions about how it stayed together! They all wanted to come sit at it and admired its "newness". They also mentioned that they loved the color of the table! My assistant also loved getting to have her own space to grade papers, meet with students, and store supplies. It has been so nice for all of us!
Our next project will focus on purchasing more art supplies to enhance our arts in the classroom lessons. We love to incorporate art projects that help cement learning and skills that have been taught. Art is a great outlet for kids to express themselves and be creative and we can't wait to work on more projects at our new space. We appreciate all the kindness and generosity from the donors that choose to help us!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hilliard
Magic Carpet Ride: Reading Rug for First Graders!
Funded Aug 23, 2014Thank you so much for funding our project! We have truly enjoyed being able to sit and be comfortable on our classroom rug. The students come in every morning and greet each other in a circle on our rug! They are so excited each day to see each other and are so thankful for our special sitting space. As soon as the rug came in, the students' faces were priceless! Their jaws dropped open and their eyes were as big as the moon! They helped me drag in the big box and unroll the rug in our corner. The smell of newness filled the air, and they couldn't stop smiling! They just couldn't believe we had something so nice and new that was a gift from someone. One student said, " Wow, is this really ours-like to keep forever?" Others kept telling me all day how much they loved and apppreciated our new rug. We had special reading time just so everyone could get a chance to get cozy and dive into a good book!
We are using our rug everyday when we do our student greeting each morning, as well as during our literacy centers. Students are able to spread out their materials and have room to actually manipulate them and work collaborativally. Students use the rug for free reading time, completing puzzles, playing literacy games, and doing research. We take A.R. comprehension tests on iPads, work on group projects, and buddy read together on our classroom rug. We use our rug so much!
This project boosted my teaching by allowing me to reach all my students on a personal and comfortable level. I love spending time reading, watching educational videos, and just listening to my students every day. This has definitely boosted my students' learning levels by allowing them time and space to further their love for reading and learning. It has boosted their social skills by designating them a space to talk, work together, and participate in meaningful conversation. Students have learned how to share more effectively, develop their vocabulary, and communicate adequately through this wonderful space. We cannot thank you enough!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Hilliard
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 2 other donors.