Past projects 5
Our Very Own Zen Den
Funded Aug 9, 2022Thank you for your generous donations. With your donations, we received all the items for our classroom chill zone, turning the classroom into a Zen Den where learning can happen in a calm and inviting space. The scholars and I planted the seeds, which added an element of responsibility. The scholars water the plants every 2-3 days and watch them grow. I enjoy how interactive taking care of plants makes it for my scholars.
When we initially received the items, we were all excited about getting it all set up for use. It completely changed the dynamics in the classroom. It was such a great place to be, that when my scholars needed a break during the school day in their general education classes, the general education teachers would send them to the Zen Den to refocus. It significantly improved the behaviors and motivation of a majority of scholars upon return to their general education classrooms.
The next steps for our Zen Den (chill zone) is to help the scholars learn their own signs of distress. I will teach how to work through it with the materials we have received and the strategies we have learned and will learn through the Zones of Regulation. Once again, we are thankful for the donations and the impact on our classroom thus far!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Beliard
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and one other donor.Face Shields for Safety!
Funded Oct 29, 2020Thank you for your contributions that provided my students with the face shields. It has allowed us to have added protection in the classroom and around our school campus. The students have been able to use the face shields during one-to-one instruction, group instruction, and special education services like to speech, when masks would hinder visually seeing or hearing what the students are saying or attempting to say.
The initial introduction to the face shields was difficult because the children were still getting used to the idea of wearing a mask all day at school for in person learning. However, with the use of visuals and modeling, the students are able to wear their face shields. I, too, love the protection of wearing a face shield in the classroom while conducting small group and one-on-one lessons with the students who are learning virtually, when a mask may make it difficult to see or hear.
The pandemic has affected the way we learn and interact in the classroom. Using the face shields has helped my little learners in participating in activities that would have been hindered by the masks. We appreciate the donations that made this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Beliard
This classroom project was brought to life by Equitable and one other donor.I Just Want to Be Left Alone!
Funded Dec 12, 2019The resources were loved by the students. It did take some of them a little while to warm up to the sensory materials like the puffy paint, slime, and foam because of the varying sensory issues. However, they eventually began to use the area as intended.
The materials definitely played a role in meeting the need to help my students through coping with the noises and demands. There was also a shift in mood and behaviors. Some students increased their ability to self-request a "time-out" to interact with the materials and designated area.
Lastly, the difficulties we had with transitions significantly decreased because the students had a place to decompress throughout the day. It made a difference for my students, classroom assistants, and I. Thank you for the materials and the overall benefit it played in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Beliard
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and one other donor.The Very Hungry Caterpillar!
Funded Oct 24, 2019Thank you! Our classroom theme author is Eric Carle this year and our story of focus is The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The kids loved to see the very hungry caterpillar all around them. It made made heart so happy that my Pre-kindergarten autistic children made the connection with the books and the classroom decorations. Every morning we would read an Eric Carle book. The children walked into the classroom and knew the routine and loved the books. During center rotations, the library area was a hot commodity and the go to for many of my "Pre-Kinderpillars". In light of the current situation, the books were sent home with the children to enjoy. Again, thank you for adding to the experience for our class by sending the Eric Carle books. My students and I are beyond grateful for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Beliard
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and one other donor.Developing My Grasp!
Funded Apr 19, 2019Thank you for giving my students this learning opportunity. They really need to learn how to dress themselves and the Dressing Frames will help me teach those skills. The students love them and are practicing daily. We want to create independence with our preschool students to prepare them for Kindergarten.
The Counting Cars were a big hit! The students enjoy playing and learning at the same time. These Counting Cars teach one-to-one correspondence in a fun way. Thank you for supporting teaching and learning. Please continue to support our class and enjoy the photos.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Beliard
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 8 other donors.