Past projects 4
Loving Literacy
Funded Aug 12, 2023One student summed up our hope for these books when he said, "I'm so excited to take this book home! I don't know all the words yet, but I can sound them out."
Having books at home means students can practice one-on-one with a parent or older sibling giving them corrective feedback. This ensures they have a productive struggle - enough challenge to learn something new, but not so much they get frustrated and give up. They also enjoy the quality time spent on a rewarding activity with a loved one.
Having their own book to keep forever also means they can practice the same story over and over. This may seem monotonous to adults, but each time a child sounds out a word, they get a little faster. With repeated practice, a student can read a book smoothly without any mistakes. Reading effortlessly allows them to focus on the meaning of the text.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Robertson
This classroom project was brought to life by The State of Oklahoma.Books and Brilliance
Funded Nov 5, 2022My students are learning to look at punctuation to make their expression match the tone of the text. Having many different interesting texts to practice with helps students read quickly and effortlessly instead of slowly and robotically. One student was especially excited to get his own book because he said he did not have any other books at home!
Before we read a new story, we introduce vocabulary words that students may not know so that they can understand what is happening. We show them a picture of the new word while we give a student friendly definition and give several examples of the word in a sentence.
After we read, we help students think about the important parts of the story by writing down the characters, setting, problem, and solution with dry erase markers. Thank you for making every part of reading fun for my students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Robertson
This classroom project was brought to life by Oklahoma State Department of Education.Level Up for Learning
Funded Dec 4, 2019The iPads in my classroom allow students to work on assigned topics at their own pace at a level that challenges them without overwhelming them. The immediate feedback of the digital programs we use helps them identify and correct misconceptions quickly, so they can master new skills as soon as they are ready. I get individual reports on each student's progress, so I know who needs the most help and who is ready for a challenge.
The cool factor of new technology motivates students to learn. Having an additional iPad means more students are able to access these enriching programs right when they need them instead of waiting around for the next assignment or thinking up their own ways to pass the time. Students are getting more practice with skills that they will use for the rest of their lives, and they are happy to do it!
This has been great for my slower workers. In the past, by the time they finished class assignments all the iPads were already in use by other students. Now more students are able to join in the fun and learning without wasting time. My students and I are so excited about the continued opportunity we have to utilize these wonderful resources. Thank you again for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Robertson
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 6 other donors.Coding in 3rd Grade
Funded Jun 13, 2019I built a robot and learned how to use the C programming language to write code to make the robot move in many ways, including forward, backward, in circles, along a black line, and until it got too close to another object. I learned multiple ways to control different variables, such as speed and wheel rotations. I realized the importance of planning each step of a program in advance. I started noticing how the same technologies are used in the world around me, such as the motion sensor on an automatic paper towel dispenser, and thinking about what the code would look like for such a program.
I loved being able to immediately apply new concepts by practicing them with my own robot. I also enjoyed completing challenges to earn pins. Troubleshooting allowed me to clear up any misunderstandings. Attending the training with several colleagues from my school doubled as a great team bonding experience.
I am so excited to share this transferable skill with my students! I know they will have the same level of engagement I had at the conference. They will be challenged to think differently and develop critical problem-solving skills. They can begin to see themselves as capable inventors who have an influence in their world. Thank you for making this possible for us!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Robertson
This classroom project was brought to life by Infosys Foundation USA and 3 other donors.