Past projects 3
Multi-modal Learning Tools for the Classroom
Funded Nov 28, 2023Sincere thanks for the generous donation you made that went towards making our Communication Center more accessible for students. People have been utilizing the standing desk for all kinds of activities over the past couple months, including: work initiation and completion, studying, test taking, and project building.
It didn't take long for students to notice the physical change in our small but mighty space. The option to stand and work in a quiet, low sensory space has been a game changer for many, and has created an environment that many students have begun to seek out regularly. On behalf of my students, we thank you tremendously for helping to make this learning environment more comfortable and conducive to different learning styles!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kiffen
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 8 other donors.From My Home to Theirs: Language/Literature Through Distance Learning
Funded Dec 1, 2020I can't thank you enough for the generous literacy-promoting action you took in deciding to help fund this project. Because of you, I have been able to overhaul my classroom library and share representative literature with my students, all while living/learning/teaching through a global pandemic! The technology we have for continued learning is impressive and effective, there's no denying that--but, there is simply nothing like exploring a book with students through shared reading.
With my document camera and new titles galore, students are able to view stories with crystal clear resolution and we are able to move through the pages (yes, they can see actual turning of the pages--a special part of reading culture!) at our own learning pace. Often times, we will spend a few weeks examining different elements and themes in a book; practicing identifying concrete/observable vocabulary like "title, author, illustrator" and discussing more abstract terms including "setting, character, theme, problem, solution, etc." We are also able to work on group skills and social language like problem solving and decision making now that we have so many amazing titles to select from!
I made sure to carefully vet and research each book, prioritzing those written and/or illustrated by BIPOC authors and artists to ensure that authentic voices are being heard in my classroom. My goal, as a lover of books, has always been to show students that reading can be fun and my hope is that all students will develop an appreciation for the written word, if not a reverance. Now more than ever, it is essential for my students to see themselves reflected in the stories we read and study; and it is also critical for students to see characters from different cultures and life experiences on the pages. Books truly are windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors for children. Thank you for helping us stay connected through literacy this year.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kiffen
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 11 other donors.Ms. Kiffen's Speech and Language Project
Funded Dec 2, 2015On behalf of myself and my students, many thanks are in order for your generosity. With a wide range of ages and developmental levels (kindergarten-8th grade), it had been difficult for me to provide a captivating array of materials. The activities that I requested allow for minimal planning and maximal speech and language goal practice; many of the activities can be modified to suit the needs and interests of all ages. Life is much easier for me as a busy speech pathologist, and my students are definitely more eager to participate in our sessions.
In fact, the new items in my space have become a major conversation starter for many of my students--and because improving conversation skills is typically a common goal across the grades, we have been able to do more than simply use the new materials--we have been talking about these new items in a variety of ways. For example, conversations have occurred discussing: why I requested an item, how we can use it, the purpose of it, and how the item was obtained. This conversation has mostly revolved around the Kore Wobble Stools that are now available in my classroom--the fun colors and functionality have been a hit with everyone! I observed a student with reduced attention use a stool last week and engage in 20 minutes of uninterrupted, focused work!
Another success story includes a group of students who have social language goals; we have been learning group work and cooperation skills this school year, and it had been especially challenging to avoid conflict and capture everyone's interest prior to receiving my Donors Choose donation. Last week, I gathered the group (of 7 students) and discussed the rules for Uno Attack--it was the first time the entire group sat together for 30 uninterrupted minutes without issue. Students were laughing and joking with each other with ease--a skill that does not generally come naturally to this group and is also very hard to teach. They took turns, waited patiently, helped peers, re-stated the rules when someone had a question, and modified impulsive behavior.
I am looking forward to the continued use of my new materials for many years to come, and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to help my students reach new heights in the area of communication.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kiffen