Past projects 4
Threads of Thought: A Journey on the Classroom Rug
Funded Sep 28, 2024The fourth grade team would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support in helping us create a welcoming and functional community space in our Pod! The new rug, with clearly designated spots for each student, has quickly become an invaluable addition. It provides a comfortable and organized space where our students can gather, fostering a sense of belonging and focus during lessons and activities. The rug not only enhances comfort but also helps students remain attentive and engaged in their learning.
Your generosity and commitment to our school have made a difference in the learning of our students. The fourth-grade teachers have already observed a positive impact, with students benefiting from the structure this rug provides. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership in supporting our children's education and well-being. Together, we are creating an environment where learning thrives, and we could not do it without your involvement and care. Thank you for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sidel
Fourth Grade Wobbles
Funded Oct 18, 2019Thank you so much for your contribution! It is incredible how essential the wobble stools have become in the classroom. When they first found out the wobble stools were funded they were shocked, just as I was! Everybody got a turn and learned how to properly and safely use them. Students quickly noticed how many there were, and that each table group got to have one. This has allowed for more students to use them throughout the day, and they have seamlessly built their way into part of our classroom routine.
Students continuously seek out the wobble stool and understand how it supports their learning. Behaviors such as tapping feet on the floor, or tipping back in the chairs have been minimized greatly in some students, and are now non-existent in others. Perhaps most importantly, the wobble stools have been part of our classroom conversation that different students need different tools to learn. The wobble stools have been a great way to communicate and appreciate our differences.
I plan to continue to encourage these conversations with our students, and engage them in understanding how they learn best. This could not have been done without your very generous contribution to our classroom. Thank you so much for believing in our students and for supporting education!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sidel
This classroom project was brought to life by Johnson & Johnson and 5 other donors.Fifth Graders Find Flexible Seating Fascinating!
Funded Dec 23, 2017I cannot say thank you enough for providing such a monumental tool to our students' education. In the months that have passed, our students have developed a greater sense of themselves as learners. It has been fascinating to see which students gravitate towards the yoga balls, which have selected the standing/sitting desks, and which like the wiggle seat. Regardless of the seating they pick, flexible seating has positively impacted everyone.
Every day when students come in, they ask when they can sign up for flexible seating. This was a project they were excited about back in November, and continue to love. It has brought up wonderful discussions about how we are all different as learners, and need different tools to be successful. Students have developed a sense of which seating items are best for them, and some have even started to figure out seating items are most needed for certain subjects. When I created the project, I didn't expect them to ask such deep questions of themselves, and show diverse appreciation for their peers. While our seating is different, it has brought us together.
As we master these three flexible seating items, my goal is to develop further options for our current students. I do believe in the positive correlation. When we increase seating options and allow the ability to move, our students are more engaged; and when they're more engaged, their learning increases.
Thank you for donating to our project, for believing in our students and education, and for all that you do to support them!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sidel
A Conferring Story, Written by Students
Funded Feb 13, 2017Thank you so much for donating the iPad and keyboard case to our classroom. The app, Confer, has given me an excellent organizational tool to better assist students with the learning process. More importantly, it has given me the opportunity to meet with the students more frequently. Our fifth graders and I have clear communication because of these meetings. They are able to see their file within the app and recognize what they are doing well, and what they will continue to work on. This feedback is crucial for advancing their learning and would not have been possible without your donation!
We recently finished a research opinion essay, and have started realistic fiction narratives. Now that students and I have used the iPad and keyboard with one unit and that we better understand how to use it, we look forward to advancing our writing skills with a new style of writing.
I believe writing is one of the most essential skills. No matter what road our students take, writing will help them communicate their thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Our students have enjoyed writing a lot this year, and I hope their love for writing will continue. The iPad and keyboard case has made writing even more enjoyable and interesting. I fully believe it would not be possible without you in our village! From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in technology, in education, and in our students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sidel