Past projects 8
Using Games to Think Critically
Funded Jan 23, 2024I can not thank you enough for your generosity to ensure my students have an opportunity to be challenged. Many students come into my room and immediately grab one of the books to find a riddle to question a peer. I am truly enjoying the passion that students have for answering riddles and challenging their thought processes.
Additionally, the benefit of all of the games has provided an opportunity for my students to build relationships with peers who they had not collaborated with previously. Playing games provides students a chance to work through frustration and challenges and we can then relate those frustrations to build on their coping skills for other times.
Finally, in my weekly newsletter I include a math riddle and a general general riddle. Once students determine their answer, they submit a Google form for a chance to win a prize. The participation has increased weekly. Parents have also emailed me asking why they can not answer the riddles. It's been a great way to build community with families.
Again, thank you so much for your generosity. My students and I greatly appreciate it.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
Improving Focus Through Art & Fidgets
Funded Sep 10, 2023The fidgets have helped my students tremendously. As soon as I unpacked them, I had at least five in my room wanting to help so they could see what was available. The squishy balls have helped kids talk through challenging situations. It provides them with an opportunity to squeeze something while getting their frustrations out. The sensory viewers allow students a specific amount of time to just watch the colors fall. I have witnessed students shoulders drop and breathing and slow down.
Over the past couple of months, students have come to my office to ask to borrow a fidget for a day because they have been struggling with something. I always offer them the tool they need to help calm nerves and fears so they can have a successful day of learning. With this opportunity, I have developed closer relationships with many of the students in the building who now feel like they have an ally and someone they feel comfortable talking to in confidence. It is really important for students to have at least one person they can confide in and know they will listen to their struggles.
My students will continue to have access to these tools to support their emotional well-being. The comfort these resources bring allows students to improve their focus during instructional time and learn content on a deeper level. I always strive to be the caring, compassionate teacher for these kids. Teaching is an artform and it takes a special person who can connect with kids on many different levels to find that success. So, thank you, from one very excited teacher and hundreds to appreciative students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
Breakout From the Monotony
Funded Jan 10, 2023"Yay!" I hear this every time I have either the website or breakout kit out on my table. My students LOVE these activities and do not even realize they are learning. The activities foster collaborative conversations and require students to think outside of the box to "breakout" of locks.
My youngest students - Kindergarteners - are always up for a challenge. Once I have taught a new concept and I feel they have mastered that concept, I bring the lesson to life. These students recognize the puzzle that they need to solve and are so proud of themselves when they are successful. I have had other teachers come in to my classroom to make sure everything is alright because the students are cheering.
My students will continue to work through a variety of activities through breakout so they can keep the learning engaging. This project has made my students feel confident in all academic areas and has truly brought the learning to life.
Thank you so much for your generous donation to ensure my students have this opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
Attention All Readers!
Funded Aug 9, 2022Thank you so much for your generosity so my students can read the books for Battle of the Books. When I showed them the bookshelf, their eyes lit up with excitement. For them, knowing people are willing to help them have brand new books to read was exhilarating. It took no time for my students to delve deeply into their first book. Many have already finished their first book and have started the second. All students will read each of the 12 books and compete in a comprehension competition in April.
For my students, reading is their outlet. They use it as an escape from reality to immerse themselves in something that is different from their day-to-day routine. Many of my students come from families that struggle and have emphasized the importance of their education. Parents are also excited to see their children engaged in this group.
All of the students have enjoyed reading the books so far and discussing the storyline with each other. Every morning students come to me with excitement to tell me what happened in their reading from the night before. I love that this project was funded to provide my students with this opportunity. Thank you so much for supporting it.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 17 other donors.iLearn And iFun With iPads
Funded Jan 12, 2016Thank you so much for your generous donations to fund my iLearn and iFun with iPads project. My students have been using the iPads now for a few months and are enjoying their time with them tremendously. Throughout the semester, I have introduced a variety of apps that support student learning on individual levels, as well as group projects to help promote camaraderie.
The most exciting thing my students have done with the iPads is create a blog to showcase their experience from a field trip. They were able to write, edit, and publish group blogs, use individuality to design the look and feel, and comment on peers work. This was great to use on the iPad as students were able to have fluid conversations and easily pass the tablet to their neighbor to complete the project.
In addition, students have been working hard using apps that are directly linked to the Common Core Standards that I am teaching at the time. I am able to use programs that provide students with additional practice in reading and math so they will be as successful as possible.
The iPads are a hot commodity. Students love using them and always choose them as their reward time for extra practice. I love the fact that when they are "playing games" they are also learning without even realizing. Every student loves the experiences they have had with the iPads and are already asking if their second grade teachers will have them!
Thank you again for your support. Being a teacher is challenging, yet you all have made it so much easier with your support!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
Be a Smarty Pants!
Funded Nov 25, 2009Thank you so much for your kind generosity, which has helped to put cutting-edge technology in my classroom: an interactive smart board. My students absolutely love having the Smart Board in the classroom. They use it all day long, in every subject. We learn to revise sentences, use interactive language arts and math lessons, and work well in teams.
Without your donation, my students would not be as successful as they have been. The Smart Board is the envy of my grade level. Other teachers see how engaging lessons can be and how engaged students are in the learning environment.
The donations from donors like you allow many teachers around the country help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Thanks again for all of your help!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
Yackety Yak...Don't Talk Too Loud!
Funded Nov 24, 2008Thank you so much for funding the project. As my students have just returned from Thanksgiving break, it is a much needed addition to the classroom to remind them how to control their talking.
They have also noticed how the weather is changing and are beginning to look into trends and patterns. The weather tracking chart will be a great benefit to reinforcing this already learned knowledge.
Another reinforcement will be the place value chart, as they are currently working on counting by 10's. This is a concept they are having a hard time grasping, so I am sure the chart will be helpful for them to master this subject.
Thanks again and I look forward to receiving the products”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas
It's A Small World After All
Funded Oct 9, 2008Thank you so much for your generous donation to my project. I have already begun thinking about how I can incorporate the globe into my lessons. The U.S. map rug will also be a welcome addition to the room as we are introducing the concepts of neighborhoods, maps, and country to the students this month. Today, my students had to sit directly on the floor while I read them a book, and I smiled when I thought about how much more comfortable they will be on the rug during our reading period.
My excitement went through the roof when I found out the project had been fully funded. I immediately began to dream about using the two items in my classroom and the excitement my students will have when they walk in and see them for the first time. This will help my students continue to dream big! Again, you have my heartfelt thanks”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Douglas