Past projects 6
Science and Math in PreK
Funded Nov 21, 2019Thank you so much for investing in our classroom. We are having a wonderful time exploring and learning with our new classroom resources! I have been introducing the items a few at a time and it has been fun to get to see their curiosity and excitement peak when they sense they will have something new to explore.
We use these new items in two main areas of our classroom: math work stations and the science work station. In math, the students have really loved the counting practice items. We use the numeral tiles and counting beads to really deepen our understanding of number, how many, more, and less. I have recently introduced the students to the numeral tiles and counting beads for the numbers 11-19. It has been really interesting observing the students working with a set of 10 and then another amount to make a number. For example, 10 and 2 to make 12. Again, I feel they are gaining a deep understanding of number. They have also loved the fine motor game where you have to use tongs to search for the numerals in a bin of sensory materials. I will admit we had some big messes in the beginning with this one! But, it just means they are using it and interacting with it....which is what the materials are made for. In science, the students have loved the items that allow them to explore with some independence from me. They enjoy matching up the color pegs. It is harder for them to do than they think it will be. They also have fun matching the sound boxes. They get so excited when they find the correct match. The most favorite item in science though has been the rainbow blocks. They are drawn to it! They love to put the colors in order. I have noticed this toy has inspired lots of their writing and drawing.
I am looking forward to using these materials for years to come. They are durable and encourage independence and exploration. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Norkus
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 3 other donors.Building Creative and Curious Thinkers
Funded Nov 12, 2015Thank you so much for the building materials and wooden dolls. They are very well-loved in the class. When I first presented the materials to the students, they were so excited!
The students use the blocks and dolls in our building work station and in our science work station. In the building area, they enjoy using them to make all sorts of different structures. We did a "Fairy Tale" unit and the students used the wooden blocks and people to make scenes from different fairy tales. They made some pretty amazing castles, too! Now, they are using the blocks to make zoos and homes for animals as we study different living things. In the science area, the students use the different size blocks for comparing and ordering.
When, I see the students using the materials I see them working on social and communication skills. I see them using team work and problem solving skills. I see them thinking of an idea, testing the idea, and then improving on their ideas as they use these engaging materials. I like to think of them as mini engineers.
Thank you for supporting authentic, engaging learning in these young children.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Norkus
Inspiring Creative Thinkers Through Pretend Play
Funded Sep 23, 2013Thank you so much for funding this project for my class. I truly appreciate your generosity towards my class and my students. When the secretary delivered the materials, I have to tell you that all the students got so excited and it felt like such a special moment. Your support has provided our class with materials we use to pretend play that we are doctors, nurses and veterinarians. For the past few years I have turned the play kitchen area of my classroom into a doctor's clinic at one time and a vet clinic at another time. The changes felt more real and complete this year because of your wonderful donations. The books were perfect additions. They helped add to the students' common knowledge and added some extra print to our dramatic play. The coats and all the tools really inspired the kids to use more vocabulary and more imagination than any other year. I have loved listening to them interact with each other and learn.
Thank you again for your kindness. Please know your gift is much appreciated, well used and loved.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Norkus
This classroom project was brought to life by Southeast Area Kia Retailers and 15 other donors.Serious About Science and Math
Funded Oct 8, 2013Thank you so much for funding this project for my class. I truly appreciate your generosity towards my class and my students. When the secretary delivered the supplies, I have to tell you that all the students got so excited and I felt the excitement, too. Your support has provided our class with materials we use to practice science and math concepts during our work station time. The students love using the beautifully crafted building blocks and puzzles. We use them in three different work areas of the room: building, puzzles and science. They students love to construct buildings and organize the blocks by size and color. They think and act like little engineers when they take the block sets apart and put them back together. The color sorting set is just beautiful and it is an engaging challenge for the students to have to sort the pegs by the different shades of one color. The math materials have been great for the class because they are engaging and open ended. I have loved watching the students stretch their own understanding of counting and numbers by simply interacting with the materials on their own or with a partner.
Thank you again for your kindness. Please know your gift is much appreciated, well used and loved.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Norkus
Tell Me A Story
Funded Oct 10, 2012I truly appreciate your generosity towards my class and my students. It was so exciting to receive the books and puppets. It felt like a such a special day. Your support has provided our class with materials we use to practice vocabulary, sentence structure and retelling a story. Most important of all, the materials have made us excited to read! In fact, we used the large puppet sets the day after they arrived and added them directly to our classroom library. We all just couldn't wait! The children love using the puppets to retell the familiar fairy tales and books and I love to see them actively engaged and learning.
Thank you again for your kindness. Please know your gift is much appreciated and loved.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Norkus
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 4 other donors.Sounds Like Fun!
Funded Dec 31, 2008Thank you so much for funding this project. I really couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that my project was funded. Words can't express my gratitude and my happiness. I was trying not to get my hopes up, so this is such a surprise. Most of all, I cannot wait for the kids to use these new materials. They will be even more excited.
Thank you for being so kind.
Sincerely,
E”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Norkus