Past projects 3
Crafty Crocheters in Need of Materials!
Funded Jun 10, 2022Because of your generosity, I was able to start this school year with a Crochet Club! We have eight members so far and are hoping to grow (I think we will gain more members as these students share their creations with their friends and classmates). The Crochet Club students were so excited when they came to our first session and saw the materials! They oohed and ahhed over the beautiful yarn, and they explored all the different project options. Some of them even started to brainstorm how they could use the yarn for a project idea of their own; one student immediately exclaimed, "I could make beautiful flowers with this!" I was thrilled to see their creativity blossoming. A few students have tried "freestyling" their own creations, and they constantly impress me. They've surpassed what I've taught them and are even inspiring me to be more creative in my own crocheting. They take their projects home and crochet outside of school, and one of them is even teaching her brother to crochet.
These students have already started to "think big" and expand the Crochet Club's influence beyond our small space. They want to crochet flowers for all of the teachers in the school as a holiday gift, and they have already started gathering patterns and yarn to use for that project. They want to crochet candy canes to give to their classmates. Some of them want to start a sort of "store" in the school where they can sell products that they make. This small club is having a huge impact on these students, and it is also positively impacting our school community.
One student recently wrote me a note about how much she loves crocheting. She said: "It was something I always wanted to do and I can't believe I am actually doing it now! I love crocheting because it is very calming and relaxing. I want to keep improving and start a crocheting business when I get better." The note was from a student who doesn't talk much, and it made me so incredibly happy to see her express what crocheting has meant to her.
Crochet Club has helped me bond more with these students who I only knew before in an academic context. As we crochet, we talk about our lives. I've learned so much about these students as we sit and craft together.
I cannot thank you enough for your support. You truly have made a difference in these students' lives, my life, and our school community. I look forward to Crochet Club every week, and the students do, too. It's a bright spot in the week where we can gather together, build community, and create beautiful art. Because of your help, we will soon be spreading joy through our school with our crocheted creations. Thank you so very much; I deeply appreciate it.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Butler
Tenth Grade Community Quilt Project
Funded Oct 10, 2018I am so grateful for the materials we received from DonorsChoose to create our Tenth Grade Community Quilt. For this project, we read about the history of quilts, and each student created a quilt square (on poster paper) that reflected the theme "Creating a Better Future Together." They used the materials we received, such as markers and colored paper, to create their quilt squares. We then laminated each square and attached them all together using the metal rings. When assembled, the quilt became a beautiful, artistic representation of the students' positive visions for the future.
The students were thrilled to receive new art supplies to design their quilt squares, and they worked enthusiastically on the project. When they all saw the finished product made from everyone's work, they were so impressed and proud of their work. They were able to see how their own square fit into the larger product that reflected everyone's individuality but also celebrated them coming together to create something as a community. Now the quilt is hanging up, and they can all see it regularly and take pride in their work. At parent-teacher conferences, students showed off their work to their parents.
I want to continue to use different mediums and forms of expression in my class, so the next step I'm thinking of is adding a performance/oral element by writing personal statements in the form of monologues that can be performed. I hope to find more ways to engage students through the arts, and I am so grateful for the support in doing so. Thank you very much for your contribution.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Butler
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Arts Funder and 2 other donors."I Am Malala" Book Club Set
Funded Oct 14, 2015I cannot thank you enough for your generous contribution to this project! Our Book Club has been devouring "I Am Malala." Thirteen students have chosen to spend their lunch period once a week with me, where we read and discuss the book together. The students' enthusiasm and their progress since we began Book Club moves me greatly, and I have you to thank for the incredible changes I have noticed.
Sometimes the students struggle as they take turns reading the text aloud, but I have noticed significant improvement in their fluency and am so impressed with how they support and help each other as they take turns reading. Many of the participants speak English as a second language and are eager to improve their language skills, and they have done so in Book Club. I have been impressed with one student in particular. She just moved to the United States last year and has worked hard to learn English, but she is very shy and does not often speak in class. She wanted to join Book Club, and I was thrilled at her eagerness to participate. At first, she chose not to read aloud in Book Club, which was perfectly fine. In the last few weeks, however, she has come out of her shell and has participated in reading aloud. She also has begun to participate in discussions and has shared wonderful insights. She has shown amazing progress both socially and linguistically, and I believe Book Club has played a significant role in that progress. It is a safe place where she is surrounded by a small group of supportive peers, and she has thrived. In fact, all of the participants have thrived.
Not only has reading "I Am Malala" helped my students improve their reading, it has opened their eyes. They did not have much previous knowledge about life in Pakistan or about girls' rights around the world. At first they were shocked to read about Malala's life in a culture so different from their own. They continuously want to know more. When they read about Malala explaining the origin of her name, the students decided to research the legend of Malalai. They search for images when they encounter something unfamiliar in the text (like a salwar kameez). They want to know more about the Pakistani government and what is being done to promote gender equality. I believe they have a newfound appreciation for the education they are receiving and once took for granted. They have so many questions and so many ideas, and even though I don't have answers to many of their questions, I am overjoyed at their curiosity and their insight.
My students look forward to Book Club. They have told me it is the highlight of their week. It is most definitely the highlight of mine. Thank you so much for contributing to the program and to this amazing group of students. You have helped us in more ways than you can imagine.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Butler
This classroom project was brought to life by NEA Foundation and 7 other donors.