Mrs. Cox's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 7

• Informational Text Provides the Answers

  Funded Jan 13, 2015

  My students were excited when they unpackaged the science reading materials. When they opened the books and begin to discover, they were totally delighted. I had shown demonstrations, and we had experimented with uplift and folded mountains using clay models. Now we had informational text that helped clarify questions and show pictures that illustrated natures landform creations. Listening to my students discuss what they'd read and relate it to our models was exhilarating.

  The new science readers are also providing excellent examples of text structures. As part of our new language core, we examine text structures and then apply our learning to writing informational essays. The science readers serve as excellent examples, as well as, including side notes to explain what text structure is being used.

  As different fifth grade students come into my classroom for science instruction, I feel so fortunate to have caring donors who have provided us with materials that facilitate learning. Thank you so much for your generosity and caring.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox

• Down and Dirty with Earth Science

  Funded Feb 3, 2014

  After teaching this science unit for a couple of years, I was so excited to be able to incorporate some hands-on activities to reinforce the students' learning. Not only did the Earth Process Kit provide the materials for experimentation, it provided me with new tools and superior assistance in a scientific approach I had never tried previously. I am now using science journals to check for understanding and help the students discover the answers to focus questions. I was shocked to see how well students' journal writing assisted in cognitive engagement. Journal writing has helped students communicate their thinking.

  The science kit also provides the materials to incorporate reading for information, Science-Centered Language Development. After exploration students read the included non-fiction informational text. The text contains vivid graphics, photos, and captivating information about our changing Earth. On-line activities are also a part of the learning package. Just one more thing to help turn the students on to science.

  Each day students were inquiring what we were doing for science today. They were excited to learn and investigate. It was exciting to hear the students in one class enthusiastically talking to students that were about to venture into the Earth Processes frontier, or discuss their experience when they did the experiment. Numerous students expressed their love for science.

  Thanks so much for your magnanimous donation. Your generosity has touched many fifth grade minds and opened new horizons.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox

  This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 2 other donors.

• Let's Share Our Creations!

  Funded Oct 8, 2012

  I can't begin to tell you how much my students and myself have appreciated being able to print from our iPads. Many times, I wanted to print but couldn't. I knew there was a need, but I underestimated how useful this printer would be. My class uses iPads for such a variety of purposes, and the fact that we can now print the work we've accomplished and the pictures we've taken of special events makes our efforts a fantastic self-esteem builder. We have shared so many of our accomplishments on bulletin boards and as printed hardcopies, the impact has been phenomenal. One of my students commented after his picture was posted that he thought we should print a copy for each of the students in the photo. When I saw how proud he was of his accomplishment, I naturally gave the photo to him to put in his portfolio. This was a child that seldom takes pride in academic achievements.

  Next year the impact will be even more extensive. Our school has a class set of iPads that proceed to the next grade with the student whose parents donated the iPads to the school. Our fifth graders (150 of them) will be using the set of 30 not just the 6 we shared this year. Just imagine how many more opportunities for students to experience success and the thrill of achievement of a job well done.

  Thanks so much for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox

  This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 3 other donors.

• Getting to Know My World

  Funded Feb 28, 2013

  I can't begin to tell you how much my students and I are enjoying Time for Kids. It's exciting to see how enthusiastic they are about the articles they read. Not only have the students enjoyed what they've read, but the information they glean has greatly enhanced their ability to share their thoughts in their writing. Many of my reluctant writers are actually enjoying sharing because they have ideas. I'm not hearing, "I can't think of anything to write."

  With advent of the budget cuts, purchasing Time for Kids became impossible. Thanks to your generosity my students are experiencing interesting non-fiction articles and are aware of current events. The students are very engaged in reading. In addition to everything else, the students are evaluating and discussing issues. Another unexpected perk surfaced when one of my students that never read aloud volunteered to read a passage from Time for Kids. What a boost to his self esteem.

  Thanks so much for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox

• We Can Build A Mountain

  Funded Oct 23, 2009

  Thanks so much for your donation. The books, Mountains, have been a fantastic resource for introducing my students to the wonders of Earth's long term building and eroding away of mountains. Students' eyes lit up with wonder and interest as they read, summarized, and developed an informative Keynote presentation based on what they had read. There was so much enthusiasm and excitement as they turned from page to page. They interacted with the information with discussions and further research. My students' understanding of the subject is accurate and in depth.

  Our study of the building and wearing away of mountains was greatly enhanced by your generosity. You have helped spark the interest of my young scientists. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox

• Thank Goodness for Duct Tape!

  Funded Jul 11, 2009

  As our school year started and more headphones quit functioning, I found it more and more difficult to keep the students focused as they worked on their individualized math and reading instruction. The headphones have made such a wonderful change in the atmosphere of the classroom. Students can hear the instructions and positive feedback with no distraction from other computer speakers. No one speaks out now and says, "Will you please turn your sound down. It's really annoying."

  I had not realized how the noise level was causing so much disruption. The first day the headphones went on the comfort level returned. Thank you so much.

  The students were as pleased to see working headphones as I was. Fifth-grade rotations started and students entered the classroom. One of the boys excitedly stated, "Sweet, headphones." I had to smile as his eyes glistened. He had stated my exact feelings. We do so many activities using video and audio instruction. The headphones make learning easier and more exciting. Thanks from the hundred students who use the headphones each day. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox

• Donated Printer Hungers for Ink

  Funded Aug 1, 2009

  We're a year round school so my students and I have been in session for a while. We have been doing some writing, but we have not published many of our pieces because they needed the extra little touch of color. Our printer sat on the shelf unused. We were all excited when colored ink arrived. Enthusiasm to write was evident.

  I'm still amazed at little things that make a real difference to a student. Our first project printed to the colored printer was one of these special moments. Carson approached me first thing in the morning to ask if that was his poem hanging in the hall. When I told him it was, he beamed all over. Carson is in resource for reading and writing, so to have his beautiful, well-worded poem on display for all to see was definitely a source of pride.

  As poems were displayed, other students were anxious to complete their work and have it hung in the hall. Thanks for affording me the opportunity to have students experience success and pride. Your generosity will help students experience the thrill of writing and sharing their work. The color definitely adds to the result. Students are becoming proficient at searching the Internet for just the right graphic to enrich their report or their personal writing. Thank you so very much. School can include such fun learning activities thanks to your kindness. ”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Cox