Past projects 2
Reaching and Teaching in a Digital World
Funded Nov 19, 2020Our first grade students have been working remotely most of the 2020-21 school year. Students have been able to use the digital resources remotely and in the classroom. This has allowed the students to continue using our curriculum during NTI. We were able to use the ring light and web cams for Zoom sessions and while recording instruction. One of the grade level favorites was the Google Slides interactive games.
When parents used the materials during NTI, they appreciated the format of all subjects in one location. After several weeks, the students learned the routine and was able to complete a full day of classwork independently.
We will continue to utilize all digital resources in the classroom and when we go NTI the week after Spring Break. Students will participate in Bunny Day. They will read digital stories about bunnies and rabbits and complete hands on activities related to Spring.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Blades
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and 10 other donors.Strengthening the First Grade Learning Environment to the "Core!"
Funded Aug 18, 2016This is my twenty-third year as classroom teacher. Each year, I anticipate new challenges and have learned to adapt to meet the needs of my students. The demands of common core and standards-based learning require 6-7 year olds to sit longer periods of time. I have found over the past several years that this was challenging task for students without disabilities and impossible for students that have attention deficit disorder. In order to meet the needs of all learners, I decided to move out of my comfort zone, and create an alternate seating environment after observing the success of my team mate the previous school year. It was more of a challenge for me to embrace the change than it was for the students. They quickly jumped in and began to move things out of the room as our new seating arrived. They offered suggestions, and we implemented this endeavor as a team. As in years past, when students return from prior years to say "hello" they express how they wish they were back in first grade. They sneak a quick hug and ask if they can try out a wobble seat or sit down on a balance ball chair.
This project has been overall one of the most successful changes that I've ever experienced in my classroom. My students have learned to take responsibility for learning in ways that they have not in the past. They have learned to choose a location each day that best suits their learning style. They have learned that different situations require different ways to learn best. This project has helped build a community of learners. The students are very proud of their classroom and strive to make it a happy productive environment each day. We have all learned along the way, and have made necessary changes in my original plan in order to make this project work. I'm excited that the students and families have embraced this change, and I am thankful to all the donors that believed in this project. For anyone who is considering alternate seating, I say go for it! You won't be disappointed in the results.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Blades