Past projects 5
Writing to Soothe the Soul
Funded Nov 22, 2023Thank you for making education a priority. My little class of first graders will benefit from being exposed to writing as a creative outlet and something to look forward to. What a gift to have at the beginning of your life. I look forward to helping them focus and enjoy.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lanier
This classroom project was brought to life by Nevada Department of Education.Decodable and Enjoyable
Funded May 5, 2022Decodable and Enjoyable was a big hit with my early readers. The kids were so surprised that the letter sounds were actually making words and the words were put together to make the story. These early, decodable readers were the missing link between the alphabet and reading.
The students were introduced to the books during reading group. They blended and extended the letter sounds in pairs. One pair, in particular, was struggling until they heard what was coming out of their mouths. They looked at each other and understood. They were reading without help. It was a magical moment.
Decodable and enjoyable is what reading groups have become. The students know where the "good" books are kept and are always sharing and discussing why they need to read this book next. There is only a sentence on each page, but that is where it all starts.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lanier
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and one other donor.Van Gogh Go Art Bags, 2
Funded Feb 13, 2022Thank you for sharing with Roger's Elementary School. The bags were a huge help in getting our school, quality art lessons. We had 14 classroom teachers use the bags for quick, ready-to-go art during the regular school year. I also used the bags during summer school as the stand-in art teacher.
During summer school, the students were excited to walk into the art room for the first time in two years. Then when they realized were going to be painting with "real" paint they lost it!
The best thing about this school year is our students have a licensed art teacher. The bags have given her a look at what the kids have been exposed to and the materials helped drive her lessons as she develops her program.
Thank you again for giving Roger's Elementary students materials to create and grow.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lanier
Van Gogh Go Art Bags
Funded Oct 8, 2021Thank you for helping me start Van Gogh Go Art Bags. The students are delighted every time they see a new bag. We have tried to complete one art project a week, exhibit the art, and inspire other classes to be creative. One of the first projects was tracing the outline with a crayon to make a barrier for the watercolor. The class was so involved when the paints came out!
When I designed these bags, I had the hopes of using them for a student incentive...something where there are no wrong answers. It has exceeded my expectations. Those kids who are learning letter sounds are some of our leaders during art lessons. The kids love the paint! There was a time when the room was completely quiet until they started mixing the colors in the paint tray. Who knew red and blue make purple! The joy of discovery echoed into the hallway!
I already started Van Gogh Go Bags 2...we need more paint! These bags have pulled the school community together and helped inspire our students to be creative!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lanier
Getting Back to the Math
Funded Aug 19, 2018Thank you for sharing with our class. I was correct in needing extra math tools and experiences. My class math abilities range from the 12th percentile to the 98th percentile according to our state testing. In order to help every child, obtain one ears growth, I find my center activities essential.
The books have been key to opening language and real-world connections. The dice have been the best investment; we are able to use them every day by adding, subtracting, counting on, and counting back. Children know where our items are stored and how to put them back...their independence is growing.
Whenever the boxes arrived, we sat on the carpet and said things like "It's a Teacher's Christmas!", "Who could believe in us so much that they would send us gifts?", and "How do you think we could say thank you?" The children were so impressed that people from across the world were sharing. One little guy said that he liked math more than video games!!!
Thank you for making teaching and learning fun!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lanier