Past projects 3
Classy New Seat & Kinesthetic Math Treats
Funded Aug 7, 2017With much joy, I write to you. I was stalled in my teaching due to not having one of the items from this project. All of my other 2nd grade team mates were able to teach effective routines and procedures in reading and writing. I was even observed 3 times. The areas on their observation checklist weren't checked off because my students and I weren't ready yet. We lacked the carpet!
When I initially wrote the project, I had no idea how important to my instruction that the carpet would become. The students need it 3-4 times per day for instruction and independence.
The students have already began to use the math tools that were ordered. They are asking for them as it helps to process our new math concepts.
I am so appreciative of your donation. Thanks to you, we are able to practice the routines and procedures needed to come to carpet, to meet with partners on the carpet, to exit carpet, and to read to self or with a partner on the carpet.
Although, I ordered it a little too small, it works for our class because then we practice tolerance and respect to others daily.
Thank you for helping to make this a successful year.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ellison
Whole Brain Learning with Flexible Alternative Seating
Funded Aug 4, 2016This project has forever changed the lives of many. Growing up with ADD and other challenges, I didn't witness how simple changes and student choice empowered students to perform their best. This year was truly amazing! Who knew a few stools, some exercise balls, stretch bands, and student choice would change how I teach.
When the students initially saw the materials, they were excited because it was something different. After the initial shock, even the parents were commenting. There was less behavior problems in my class. Students knew they could choose where to learn.
There is a teacher evaluation standard that address positive environment of the classroom. The is an area where my class scored at the top. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming to all. The students that have difficulty sitting in desk and rows, thrived because of this project.
To continue, I will create a new project to expand and provide more flexible alternative seating because I have realized it is needed for the health, wellness, and success of my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ellison
This classroom project was brought to life by The Clorox Company and 4 other donors.Rich Hands-On & Minds-On experiences for All learners
Funded Aug 4, 2016I am so appreciative of every donation. This past year, you helped to lift the learning in my classroom. Students in my classroom have technology at home but when they get to school, we are limited due to budget restraints. The Kindle Fire and the Microscope helped the students experience more than another video game.
The microscope was most unique. The knowledge about microscopes usually isn't experienced until the 5th grade. Our classroom proudly owned one this year as a result of your contributions. The Time for Kids provided authentic text and real world learning. Our textbooks are outdated! The current magazines aren't. With them, the students escaped the biased knowledge of a limited viewpoint and extended to a multi-faceted global view. Many don't read the newspaper or watch the news but they loved being able to experience the world at their level.
The students that have reading comprehension or various reading interest enjoyed the Time for Kids and the Kindle Fire. The Kindle Fire was used not only to experience learning games but to also create QR codes and read QR codes. The QR codes could contain items like short videos, trivia questions, writings, or audio.
This project exposed my class to new heights and dimensions in discovery and inquiry learning beyond the pages of a textbook or worksheet. Thank you for your partnership to support higher learning and thinking in my classroom and beyond.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ellison