Past projects 7
Read with Ferg
Funded Nov 21, 2019When my students saw the number of books that were brought into our classroom, their eyes lit up. It was fantastic to see.
In our classroom, reading looks like students picking out books that interest them, that they are recommending to other students and that they are genuinely reading. Before students were just holding books when it came time to read independently in class, now, they are reading and talking about the books. When students talk about books - their minds start to expand, and they are off on different journeys. What else could a teacher ask for?
Thank you so much for being a part of expanding their minds. It really truly is appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson
For the Love of Reading!
Funded Oct 25, 2018Reading in my classroom usually looks like students not having a lot to choose from, not talking about books, just reading because "it's time to read!" Essentially - the kids are not excited about it. Now, after receiving these donations - I cannot get them to stop reading and I LOVE it! They come in excited, eager and with anticipation. They are discussing literature authentically and with genuine gusto - as a teacher, I could not ask for more!
Some of my most reluctant readers are now suddenly unable to put books down. They are obsessed with these relatable novels. They are helping with their vocabulary, their writing and their motivation as students. I wish you could see it!
Thank you once again - we are thoroughly enjoying reading these novels.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 12 other donors.Supplies, Supplies, Supplies
Funded Aug 18, 2018The beginning of the school year is always a little confusing, but because of people like you, it was able to go smoother!
My students haven't had a lot of use with binders as they are entering middle school and coming from elementary, so being able to provide them with dividers and sections really helped them to transition. The colored paper has made it easier for students to identify and quickly get to the proper sections and has put them on their way to being organized scholars. The index cards are teaching students to be accountable when signing out classroom library books. With having multiple classes, I am now able to provide comprehensive and student friendly systems that keeps our classroom a living space.
When students first saw all the color coded dividers and sections, they were relieved, excited and a little apprehensive. They were relieved because, for some, coming to schools with supplies is a difficult task. These were provided for everyone and that took away some of the embarrassment of not having supplies, or even took the pressure off to make sure they got the supplies. They were excited because it meant that they were leaning a new skill at organizing binders. As stated earlier, they've never used binders before and have done work out of notebooks and folders before - so this indicated something new. And, as always, with something new, apprehension kicked in because it is a skill that adults take for granted (how to properly use a binder) that when first learning, it is a foreign concept.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson
This classroom project was brought to life by News Corp and 3 other donors.Take a Stand Towards Learning
Funded Jan 25, 2018When my students first saw the standup desks, they were a little skeptical. They had always been told that" you have to sit", "you cannot get up without permission", "stay seated." Now, they have the opportunity - and permission - to stand? Of course they would be confused, but they were also curious. It was wonderful to see.
Students were eager to put to put the desks together. We used that opportunity as a collaborative STEM activity. They were eager to use them. In fact - they are so popular, we had to create a sign-out sheet. Students that were always really reluctant to write, are suddenly giving me full responses and essays when in the past, I would have received sentences or blank papers.
I am so pleased with the additions of these desks into our classroom. It has clearly made the world of a difference and for that - I thank you wholeheartedly.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 5 other donors.My Voice CAN Make a Difference!
Funded Oct 19, 2017Have you ever read a book that highlights activists for change in your own neighborhood? It's very empowering. "The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano" is just that for my students. So often we ask students to research other communities or cultures and they don't get to see the direct impact on their communities or cultures and this book changes that. This book is starting to turn the wheels in their minds that they can have an impact on the world and that their voice does matter and counts for something.
Throughout this novel, we are learning skills in communication, activism, argument and research. Not only are we citing evidence and choosing relevant pieces of evidence, comprehension skills, engagement skills and inferential skills are at an all time high. Student progress is evident and it's all thanks to people like you. They are excited to come in and learn because this book offered them something new.
Thank you kindly for your support and help.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 17 other donors.STEM + Literacy = A Great Future ...
Funded Nov 13, 2017We have really enjoyed working with our robots! They are so fun and engaging. Since receiving them, we have been able to work on our collaboration and communication skills. Our engagement levels have increased and we are more productive with our work.
A lot of us like to code and using these robots to discuss ways to solve problems or, answers on a test with our novels, has been a game changer. We are certainly getting more interested in STEM careers and reading about what is possible in our futures has been eyeopening.
We are looking forward to using these robots to help prepare us for tests and improve our comprehension. The impact is and will be even greater in the near future. Thank you for making this possible.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson
Learning to Love Reading
Funded Oct 17, 2015Thank you so very much for your generous gift to my class and students. "Of Mice and Men" is a very exciting classic novel that will help my students gain a better understanding of skills needed to read fictional novels. Some skills they will learn with this novel is to glean how literary elements (plot, setting, characters etc.) interact to make up a story. They will also learn how fictional pieces of literature from the past can connect to today and still be relevant to their lives. "Of Mice and Men" will also help students understand the rich history of the country they are living in and the hardships of the past. Perhaps the most important skill this novel will hopefully give my students is a love of reading and a desire to unlock the influence reading can have on their lives.
In my room, reading looks a few different ways. Often, I am reading aloud with the students to model things "Good Readers do". There are also times when students are reading aloud to one another or we are participating in a Reader's Theater where specific students read a specific character as if in a play. Other times, students are reading by themselves independently practicing "Things Good Readers Do" and deepening their understanding. After every reading session, we will engage in a class discussion to make sure we are on the same page and we can work on our professional discussion techniques.
A few of my students have expressed their enjoyment in the book and have asked to read others by John Steinbeck. They are approaching me with conversations about reading. As a teacher, this is something that I am always striving for and with your generosity a goal achieved for this year. For that, I can never thank you enough. We are setting these students up for a rich future where reading will play an integral part.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ferguson