Past projects 10
A Space to Regulate
Funded Dec 4, 2024This project may be the most impactful project to date in my k-2 classroom. I have students that are easily distracted and the room dividers have provided separate spaces to offer limited visual distractions.
My classroom is also a space where service providers such as occupational therapists can work with individuals while classroom staff continue instruction. The dividers provide a space for them to work and we are still close enough for behavioral support. Before the dividers were available we had to move tables in the hallway so they would have a work space. Now we can leave that area set up permanently.
Thank you for supporting my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.On Sensory Overload
Funded Mar 1, 2024Thank you for supporting our classroom and supplying two cocoons and a timer. The cocoons have been used by multiple students to calm themselves down. The fabric is soft, cool, and can be wrapped around a person to their preferred resistance. Having this item available can give a young person a choice and some independence when selecting just the right tool to get them back on track.
The timer that was purchased for our group has a red dial for visual representation of remaining time. The students can grasp the concept of time when watching the clock during a preferred activity. It helps to understand that activities are designed for specific time and then we have to move on.
In summary, these two items may be small, but will have a large impact on getting kids back on track.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
Classroom Cocoon
Funded Nov 29, 2022The students are Loving the cocoon swing in the classroom. They were mesmerized when the maintenance crew came in to install it. Once it was installed, it took no time at all for the students to give it a spin.
It has already had an impact on students that need a break to self regulate. The students don't even mind taking turns and sharing. It is comfortable and soothing and a great place to read, too.
We all appreciate your kindness for filling our request for this calming item for the classroom. We anticipate that students will continue to utilize this calming method for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 6 other donors.Characters Like Me
Funded Nov 30, 2021The project was a success! I asked for books with characters that represent our student population. The books are wonderful. The students in my classroom have had a preview of the books. These students couldn't wait to unbox the gifts.
The books are ready to be added to the school library to share with the rest of our student population. The librarian is excited to be adding new books to the shelves and share with our youth.
There were a variety of books for beginner readers as well as the experienced readers looking for a challenge. I appreciate your support in providing reading materials that will inspire a young mind. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.Books for Beginners
Funded Aug 12, 2021The students are excited to see a new addition of books to the classroom library. There were a variety of books that are at a level for independent beginning reading, inclusion, and picture assisted text.
The picture assisted text was a replacement order for a set of books I was interested in at the beginning of the project. We are satisfied with this type of book as it allows students to see the text and have a visual reminder of what the word is. Many students with dyslexia appreciate having visual clues while reading independently.
Students have a reading assignment daily that works on improving reading sight words and fluency. The books we received from this generous grant allow the students to select a high interest book to practice on their own or ask an adult to read with them. These books are often requested during story time as well.
We will continue to grow together while we learn to read together. Your kindness is appreciated by many eager readers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and one other donor.Taking Coding to the Next Level with Lego Mindstorm Robots
Funded May 13, 2019The students are so excited to have more parts for the robotics team. This year the middle school is able to have a 7th grade and an 8th grade team in the robotics competition. They will soon begin working in an organized group to construct and plan a mission for competition.
The students have had the opportunity to explore using the robots during class time and after school. During an exploratory period students can work in groups to build and program a robot that will complete a task. This improves communication and problem solving skills.
Working together for a common goal is something that these students need to experience. Working side by side and accomplishing small and large tasks is something that encourages them to appreciate each other's skills and talents.
Thank you kindly!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 8 other donors.Sensory Challenged Focus on Achievement
Funded Dec 11, 2018Our new headphones have been very useful. Students that used to complain about uncomfortable headphones are now relieved. The new headphones are lightweight, softer, and more spacious compared to the old sets we were using.
The students with medical sensitivities are able to wear these headphones and participate in computer activities at their own pace. The students no longer feel excluded or different from peers because everyone is able to use identical headsets.
Students have commented how these headphones help to block out background noise and they are able to concentrate more on their independent activities. This will help numerous students' grades if they can stay on task and focused on their lessons when plugged into their technology device.
We are grateful that you selected to help out our class. You have shown that people in our community support the local schools and our diverse needs. From all of us, Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
Learning New Skills With Coding
Funded Apr 24, 2018The students were so excited when the packages arrived with the spheros. A few students brought their family in for Open House to tell them all about how we plan to use them. Even the families were getting excited about the opportunity for the kiddos.
As soon as the classroom ipads are available we will map out some mazes on the floor. The students know that these are to build their problem solving & communication skills. We hope this will also encourage work completion and cooperative attitudes. As a classroom project we hope to invite family members in when we are coding to improve our family involvement. We may even have a little family friendly competition in the future.
The students are confident they will master the coding in record time. They are wishfully planning the future for more complex tasks. Thank you so much from each of us for your kind donation. And thank you for supporting our classroom for this year and years into the future.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
A Body in Motion and a Mind at Work!
Funded Jan 26, 2018We received your generous package soon after funding. The students were excited to get the items and try them out. All the boys helped unpack the materials and assemble them so we could test them out. Before the students had access to the balance ball, foot pods, and bouncy bands, the students would be out of their seats at times and full of energy. Now that they are using the new equipment, they staying in their work space and able to bounce some of the energy out of their system while working.
There is one student that comes from a troubled home environment that asks for the balance ball every class. He is able to bounce and roll on the ball until he can focus on work. I also co-teach in a Math class. I have one student that asks for a bouncy band everyday. He likes to take off his shoes and manipulate the bands with his feet. Before the bands we would often witness him turned around, chatty, and off task. When he has the band on his chair he is more focused.
We are close to wrapping up this school year. I look forward to starting the next school year off with the materials provided. I am thankful for the donors that helped with this project. I believe the students are able to utilize the items to calm down, focus on classroom tasks, and stay in their work spaces.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 4 other donors.Let Them Read!
Funded Nov 30, 2016I am very thankful for your support for literacy in our classroom. I have noticed that a certain difficult student has really shown an interest in the magazines. The magazines have offered me an opportunity to address reading, while offering him an opportunity to choose his interest. We have used the magazines for a few weeks now. He likes to look at the articles during our unstructured time. This has helped him with managing his time and gives him something productive to do with his energy.
The first article the students read was about a teen their same ages that saved a friend's life by performing CPR. A couple of the students could relate to a similar situation. It is great to have text that the students can relate to. They wanted to learn more about the topic and were encouraged to talk to their Physical Education and Health teachers to learn more.
I appreciate your enthusiasm for reading. This project has helped our classroom with getting a difficult student to focus, gave inspiration to a few students to read independently, and gave a few motivation to learn more about life-saving CPR. The students were surprised and appreciative when I revealed that the project had been completed. Thank you again for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Mann