Ms. Rivera's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 4

• TIME for Kids to Learn and Thrive

  Funded Aug 29, 2021

  Thank you so much for your generous contributions. My students really appreciate all of the materials. We use our mailbox everyday to store our learning packets, turn in and collect homework. It has helped keep us more organized. They absolutely love their pop-it fidget toys. They use them everyday and talk about how calming they are. They also enjoy their weekly TIME for kids magazine. Not only have we learned about current events, but also more about the world and the environment. Thank you so much.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Rivera

  This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 5 other donors.

• Flexible Seating for Optimized Learning

  Funded Nov 21, 2018

  Thank you so much for your kind contribution to my classroom. The impact you have made to me and my students is truly priceless. We call these special editions to our classroom "choice seats". Children have the choice to use them throughout the day as needed. This year, I have an exceptionally rowdy bunch and the use of these seat options have allowed them to fidget throughout the day in an appropriate way that minimizes distractions. Every student has tried using each of them at least once this school year. Although the seats have been available for all to use, it has really been a game changer for a select few. I have seen a decrease in hyperactive behavior from several children in the classroom thanks to the use of these seat options. The children love them and are so appreciative of your donation. Thanks again!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Rivera

  This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 10 other donors.

• Readers are Leaders

  Funded Dec 29, 2017

  Thank you so much for your generous donation. Technology has had a huge impact on my classroom environment. I have seen students interest in reading increase, as well as their overall motivation to learn. They have used the tablets to read independently, complete assignments, learn about math in new and exciting ways, as well as work on projects that have them recording themselves explaining their work to present to the class.

  Working in a large English Language Learner population has its challenges, but the integration of technology has been a huge advantage for my students. It has allowed me to assign and monitor individualized lessons to select groups of students. While certain groups of students are working on assignments on the tablets, I have been able to spend more time working with smaller groups of students who need more direct instruction on specific skills.

  The students are always excited to have time working on the tablets. It presents work in a way other than paper and pencil and has the ability to give immediate feedback.

  A few months ago, I had a new student come into my classroom from China. He is a very bright boy who excels above his peers in mathematics, but is still learning the English language. He has shown great interest and enthusiasm in being able to use the tablet to help him learn English.

  This technology has been such a great way to create a different avenue for my students to learn new information, practice skills taught, and complete assignments. The tablets will be used for many years to come. Again, thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. It is greatly appreciated.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Rivera

• Matilda: From Page to Screen to Stage!

  Funded Apr 30, 2015

  Thank you for your kind donation. With the help of your donation, I was able to enrich the lives of eight young students who may have never had such an experience otherwise. They were so happy to have had this amazing opportunity.

  We spent weeks reading the book and working up the anticipation to see the musical. Soon before going to see the musical, we watched the movie and compared what we read in the book to what we saw on the screen. Students started to make literary and theatrical connections. They noticed the differences between the book and movie and critiqued which they thought were better. One student said, "I liked the books better because the author was very funny. The movie was funny, but not as funny as the book". Another student said, "I liked the movie better because I got to see everything happen in action." Some students were also making connections to themselves and the world around them. They were comparing the relationship Matilda had with her parents and her school to their own lives. When students make connections beyond the text it grows their comprehension and allows them to think outside the box.

  Although the students were academically prepared for seeing the Matilda: The Musical, the students barely knew what to expect. When I explained that we were going to see the musical on stage in a theater, a lot of them thought they were going to be watching the movie in a big auditorium. Watching their eyes light up in awe as we entered the theater was very rewarding. They were shocked that the set moved and that the actors were so energetic. One student said, "It was like watching magic come to life." After we watched the musical, we stood outside the stage door and even got to meet some of the actors and get their autographs. One of the young girls was so excited, she was for sure star struck. On the ride back to school, we discussed what we liked, didn't like, similarities and differences between the movie, book and musical. They shared a good amount of insight. Overall, they agreed that the movie was more faithful to the book, but the musical was more fun to watch. We were almost equally split amongst who liked the movie, book or musical better.

  Once we arrived back at school, one of the students curiously questioned how I had so much money to take them to go see something so amazing. When I told them that people donated money for them to see the show, they were touched that other people were so generous. We are all truly thankful for having had this experience. The students wanted to meet you in person to thank you, but I told them I would let you know how grateful they felt. Thank you again. Your donation meant so much to us!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Rivera