Mrs. Vander Loop's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 3

• Inspiring Minds Through Hands-on Learning Opportunities

  Funded Aug 18, 2024

  First off my students and I want to say thank you for your generous donation. It is because of you that I have been able to build independence and appropriate behavior with my students. The new tools I can provide are a value to our classroom daily routine and function. We are using the buttons daily during math centers to give students the ability to follow the directions of the centers without teacher assistance. Students are using the visual magnets to know what supplies are needed during different parts of our day. Plus there are a couple kids who are really benefiting from the fidgets to keep their hands busy which is helping their brains to stay focused on the task and/or directions.

  When the students saw the direction buttons they were very excited to push them to see how they worked. After they figured out what they were for they are using them daily and are very excited to show independence. This tool is especially powerful when there is a substitute teacher and students can follow the expectations. At the beginning of the year we started working with writing. When they students were able to use the boards to write instead of paper/pencil they weren't timid to complete the work that was being asked of them. These items have been a staple in the classroom and have allowed students to enjoy and feel more success in writing.

  Students will continue to use all these valuable learning tools everyday to assist with their learning while making it fun and exciting each day. My Kindergartners and I are again very grateful for your generous donation that allowed for the purchase of these items!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Vander Loop

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 6 other donors.

• "Come One, Come All!" - Comfortable Carpet

  Funded Aug 24, 2017

  This project has funded a large group area carpet for our classroom. In our classroom we services students with Autism, Significant Developmental Delays, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and Speech and Language Impairments. With the carpet we are able to provide our students with a comfortable and safe place to gather for academic, social/emotional, and movement/sensory activities. The carpet also provides our students with an effective visual boundary to increase their understanding of their body in space.

  The students use the carpet everyday as a gathering spot for academic and nonacademic instruction. We are also using the carpet for a gathering area during other times of the day that we use our Smartboard. These activities include various sensory activities that help our students regulate their bodies and emotions throughout the school day.

  Our students were surprised and excited to see the new carpet when it arrived. They have responded well to the positive change in their physical environment and are showing progress in their ability to sit appropriately with the visual boundaries that the carpet provides.

  Our next big initiative is to improve our students' math performance. We are excited to dive into our math curriculum and use technology to make it more accessible to our students with varying abilities. We will use many digital tools to increase active participation and provide students with instruction and practice at their individual levels. Our Smartboard and new carpet will allow us to provide the students with a fun, comfortable, and engaging learning environment.

  Thanks so much for donating to the project "Come One, Come All! -Comfortable Carpet project. The students are enjoying this as a place to gather during academic and non academic activities.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Vander Loop

  This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 8 other donors.

• Swing Into Success!

  Funded Sep 20, 2016

  Thank you so much for donating to the "Swing into Success" project. With your contributions the students in the Kindergarten Sensory Communication Program are able to access the swing when in need of a sensory break or during choice time. The students will ask for the swing (even the students with limited language use because it is so motivating to them).

  When the swings were first introduced to the classrooms there was lots of curiosity and excitement as to what it was and how they were going to use it. The students were first taught about the appropriate way of using the swing. Even after a month, the students get excited when they get to use it. You will be able to see in the pictures of students going there to relax while all of them have a smile on their faces. It gives them the input needed to help calm their sensory system. The swing continues to get children excited and motivated to get the work completed so they are able to take a sensory break in the swing.

  The next steps with this project is for the students to have the access to the sensory items needed to help keep them in a state that they are able to learn and function within the school environment. We will continue to use these swings daily for several different purposes. Again, this would not have been possible without your help, so thanks again for being so gracious!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Vander Loop

  This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 9 other donors.