Past projects 2
I Can't Hear You.
Funded Oct 18, 2016My class is so appreciative of our new headphones. They are being used daily and have made a positive impact on our classroom.
The few headphones we had previously were very large and did not fit my students' small heads. They were also heavy and difficult to adjust. We could only use them with our computers. The new headphones have an electric blue color, soft ear pads, are light and easy to adjust. They are being utilized with our Ipads in reading and math centers. Having these headphones allows students to remain in one area and focus on their individual apps/ games, whereas previously they needed to spread out throughout the classroom, making for a very noisy environment.
With this new, and very important resource, more students are able to take comprehension tests using the Ipads with the headphones at their desks as opposed to a select few students at the computers. This has increased the motivation and interest in taking these assessments and has had an impact on reading.
Our classroom is a much quieter and productive place because of the this important resource that was provided by through your kindness and generosity”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Powell
We Have Wiggles & Giggles
Funded Feb 29, 2016Thank you so much for our new under the desk pedal bikes. They were delivered in a GIANT box, which made pajama day feel just like Christmas. We love them and are using them in many unexpected, yet awesome ways. Once we had our tables/ desks raised to accommodate the height of our knees, we had to learn how to ride those cool things. We quickly found out that it was not like riding a regular bike. We discovered that our legs are not quite strong enough to keep the bikes in place on the floor and stay in our chairs. Some of us fell out, many times : ( So currently, during recess, we are taking turns learning how to use the pedals, stay in the chair and keep the bike stationary. This is CHALLENGING !! You can see some of the students practicing in the photos.
Like all curious six year old, my students rose to the challenge and problem solved to find ways to use the bikes. They, now like to place the bikes against the wall and pedal away. One sweet child sat and practiced his spelling words while riding the bike ( which is normally a challenge for him) They also like to place them against a table/ desk leg to stay in place and then they can read.
Some students, that do not feel comfortable dancing during our many brain breaks, enjoy using them for alternative means of exercise. They like to tell me that they are pedaling to China. They feel involved and are moving and releasing energy along with our dancing feet students. All students are then ready to reengage in the following learning activities.
I have set up an individual desk station that students go to when I notice they lack focus, when they feel frustrated, when they need a recharge moment, or when they simply have the wiggles. This is viewed, not as a punishment, but a privilege in which those students feel special in that moment. Generally they have returned to their tasks with a greater ability to engage and be productive.
In the final quarter of school, I will be obtaining some yoga style mats to see if they help to keep the bikes stationary and more easily usable in our literacy groups. For now the students are using them in ways that they have developed and because they have ownership in that process, they are proud to share their discoveries with the class. I hear a lot of "watch this" in the day.
Each year, my student demographic changes, but the one thing that is constant is that each six year old learners can benefit from alternative seating and learning. Going into the next year, I will seek out a better table/ area that will facilitate the use of the bikes in literacy centers for my original intention.
Please know that I will be a good steward of your donations and I will continue to make use of these cool machines in the best way possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Powell