Past projects 7
Mental Health, Social Emotional Learning and Organization Tools for All
Funded Dec 5, 2024I just realized the project was funded! I am so appreciative of the kindness and generosity you have shown. What a fantastic way to start the new year. I am making plans for the 2nd half of the year and the timing is wonderful. I can't wait to get started with my students. I will find some creative ways to show my appreciation to you all with pictures, notes and...who knows what I'll come up with.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski
No More Worksheets! Hands On Learning In Math and Reading
Funded Nov 26, 2021Thank you so much for the donation! I am so excited to get the students working zwith Versatiles. It's such an engaging way to learn. I will let you know how everything goes when we get them. I am collaborating with another teacher who tried them and loved them. So, your donation will reach even more students.Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski
Classroom Sets of Literacy and Math Materials
Funded Sep 23, 2021I am so grateful for your generosity and support. I strive to keep my students interested in learning and these new materials will help to engage my students in learning. I've been looking for versatile materials that can be used in small group or independent work time. Having students who are working at different grade levels makes things challenging for me. I just know these new materials will motivate me to create interesting lessons. I appreciate the help. Please know that I am excited to use them in class.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by hand2mind and 5 other donors.Hands on Science, Social Studies and Social Growth Materials
Funded Aug 12, 2021Thank you so much for the donation. I am so excited to use the new materials, especially the microscopes! I know the students will too. Your donation is going to have an impact in my classroom all year long. The support you give to all thses teachers is truly amazing.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and one other donor.Let's Build a Museum to Show What We Know!
Funded Jul 21, 2019I thank you for your generous donations. Creating this museum was a huge success. The kids worked very hard, enjoyed using art materials that they have never used before and were able to creatively express their knowledge of their home state, Wisconsin. I wish I had pictures of the museum completely finished but I'm sorry to say we didn't get to present our museum to the rest of the school...yet. Sadly, we were finishing a few projects and going to put it all up before spring break, but COVID-19 arrived and sent us all home. I assured my kids that we can build it at the beginning of next school year. Fortunately, being their special education teacher, I will have them all next year!
Let me tell you about the project and explain some of the pieces of art. Our topic was Wisconsin, it's land and inhabitants. The mural backdrops were of 4 biomes in Wisconsin. I wish I could post pictures of everything, six is not enough! Each student picked an animal from that region and sculpted it with paper mache. They used markers, scrapbook materials ( the box we ordered had such awesome pieces..stickers, decals, jewels, designed paper, gold leaf paper, stenciled cuto-outs). Of course one student made a badger! They researched animal and plant life in the state. They learned about immigrants to a Wisconsin and Native American inhabitants. The decorated frames held letters that students wrote, pretending they were immigrants coming from a different land, and included facts about their customes and differences. The students decided that they could use the craft sticks to build different houses that Wisconsin Native American Indians made. They used markers and colored pencils to create posters and maps of the different regions. Oh, I can't forget the wood burning guns/wood!! That was the favorite and right behind that was the 3D glitter art sets! I could go on and on.
I think the act of building the museum itself was something that the students really enjoyed. As a teacher, I really enjoyed seeing the level of joy and engagement it brought to our room. It's was so easy to get them involved in learning this way. They did math, reading, researching, science and social studies work with NO arguing, and I never heard, "This is boring". I appreciate your help in making my instruction more engaging and giving me the materials needed to bring my idea to reality. Also, we have materials to carry over to next year. The wood burning will make a comeback as well as the markers, colored pencils, scrapbook materials and glue. Next year I'm thinking physical science! Once again, I thank you and so do my students. I'm so sorry they didn't get a chance to send personal thank yous because of our sudden end of the year. They all said the wood burning was their favorite! I know that! If they could, they would give you a big hug and a shout out.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 2 other donors.Eureka! We've Discovered Science Experiments for Everyone!
Funded Feb 14, 2019Thank you for the donations. The science and social skills games, puzzles and projects were a hit. When the kids unpacked the boxes they hugged me and told me how much they loved the items. I wish I had pictures from the chemistry project and circuit board projects but I was so focused on fascilitating the experiments I forgot to take pictures.
I did share the pictures from the social skills and behavior skills projects. The game and puzzles made it possible for us to work together during the science projects. From them, the students learned the importance of team work and developed better relationships with each other. Even though my students are together every day, they have trouble getting to know each other. They lack skills needed for interpersonal relationships. It was truly wonderful to see them develop their skills and manage their emotions.
The social skills games were amazing. There were 6 different game boards included. They covered topics of good manners, emotions, morals, values and friendship. Game play opened the door for dialogue relating to the situations presented. For example, the emotions game board had game spaces with different feelings on it (proud, frightened, disappointed etc.). When you landed on a space, you were to give an example of when you felt that emotion. It seems so simple but the responses really told a lot about each child and their experiences. I learned so much from playing with my students. It helped me see my students in ways I never expected to discover. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to help my kids grow.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 2 other donors.There's No Place Like Home
Funded Dec 29, 2017Thank you for your contributions to my classroom. I think this organization is an amazing resource for teachers and I hope that donating to my classroom gives you as much joy as I and my students felt when we saw their new things. They couldn't wait to open the boxes! They immediately wanted to use everything at once!
We are using everything that was donated. I have to admit, getting the pencils made my day. That is one thing that students just can't do without. We had enough to last the whole year. The bean bag chairs get used every day as well. It's amazing how they change the atmosphere and enthusiasm to work in the class. They get their work right away so they can get to a bean bag chair to work on. It's a great spot for them to read. The ear buds are used every day as well. Many of my students are below grade level in reading and have a hard time when they can't access grade level material. We have their books online so they can listen to their stories with the ear buds on and not disturb others. The kids loved, loved, loved the paint. We used it in math to form lines of symmetry and in social studies to make posters. I also let the kids have some time to just be creative and express themselves.
Thank you again for contributing to my classroom. Everything you donated was put to good use. I apologize for the letters coming in so late. I did have a few technical problems. I don't want you to think we forgot about you! I wish you well and appreciate your generosity toward my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Niedzialkowski