Past projects 9
Engaging Math Resources
Funded Nov 29, 2022We have been using these math resources daily! We most recently worked on a math unit focusing on place value. The ten frame popits were extra helpful for students that needed the tactile, hands-on learning resource.
We also have been using the pop it math game to practice adding both two addends and even three addends. The students are having too much fun to realize they are even learning and practicing our math concepts.
These resources are also encouraging students to practice patients, turn taking, and good sportsmanship. Thank you again for helping bring these engaging resources into our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
This classroom project was brought to life by San Diego Gas & Electric and 4 other donors.Mixing Up Writing Practice
Funded Dec 31, 2021Today was a perfect day to pass out the brand new, lined whiteboards. In math, we are practicing our related facts where we have been practicing writing 4 different number sentences. These lined whiteboards not only encouraged the students to write their numbers neatly, it also helped keep the students organized and able to recognize the four different lines for each number sentence.
In first grade we are constantly practicing writing our numbers and letters. Many of my first grade friends get bored with the same routine in a workbook. Using a whiteboard allows us to do different games and activities where the students might not even realize they are learning and practicing their handwriting skills.
Students that previously didn't have a whiteboard eraser had been using tissues, these new erasers are not only useful, they help us become more environmentally friendly by being less wasteful. The black dry-erase markers are vivid and easy to see. They were so excited to get the new materials today they even cheered! These materials will be used weekly on a regular basis for years to come. Thank you so much for helping our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
Reading to Learn Resources
Funded Mar 3, 2020My goodness, these Scholastic News resources are more appreciated than ever. With our ever changing schooling structure, I have been able to adapt the resources you sponsored us to meet our needs. From exclusively teaching online, to our slow transition into the classroom.
Our school started the year completely online, meaning my first graders were sitting in front of a computer screen for over 4 hours each day. Having the flexibility and just the ability to offer them the resources online was so beneficial. The nonfiction content that Scholastic News produces is engaging and exciting for my students, they look forward to our next article and enjoyed the online games included with the resources.
Now that we have transitioned to a hybrid schedule and spend a couple of days in the classroom, giving them the tangible Scholastic News article is so wonderful. My first graders get to explore the different parts of the articles while pointing, following along, and reading the words NOT on a computer screen. I don't know what the rest of this school year will look like and if we will need to transition back online, but I'm confident and thankful to have these Scholastic News resources that you so generously sponsored us. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 5 other donors.Next Level Robotics
Funded Jun 18, 2019Thank you so much for donating these amazing resources to our classroom. Today was only the first day of introducing robotics to my first graders using the Ozobots, and my students didn't want to stop. They keep asking when they can explore with them again.
These little robots are so engaging and exciting to my students. They provide a great foundation for early robotics and have the option to keep challenging my students as their skills grow. Today we focused on coding our robots to move from one side of the paper to the next. After some trial and error, there were loud sounds of "oohs" and "aahs" when their codes worked. Next, we will explore different color codes including going backward, fast, and spin. Thank you again for bringing such an exciting resource to my first graders!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
This classroom project was brought to life by San Diego Gas & Electric and 2 other donors.Resources for the Digital Age
Funded May 11, 2019Thank you so much for our classroom resources. The Scholastic News articles and accompanying resources are helping my students learn how to locate nonfiction information and apply their learning. With a combination of print articles, activities, videos, games, and craft projects, students are diving deeper and developing a love for informational text.
So far we have discussed school citizenship, growth mindsets, and learning why zebras have stripes (not just for camouflage). Next we will dive into our articles and resources on apple science, bats, phases of the moon, and fire safety. When my students see "Scholastic News" written on our agenda, they get excited and can't wait to see which topic we will discover next.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
This classroom project was brought to life by San Diego Gas & Electric and one other donor.Bringing Art to Life
Funded Nov 15, 2018Thank you so much for your donation for our invaluable resources. The art supplies we had been using was the hand-me-downs from previous classes that had been used countless times. The oil pastels weren't their true colors anymore, the paint brushes were frayed, and the paints were all mixed up. The students were thrilled to see new, clean, and colorful art supplies to use. Not only are my students so excited to use the new art materials and supplies, they are also learning how to take great care and show respect for the materials by organizing and putting the supplies back correctly so they can be appreciated and used year after year. I have loved seeing my students creativity flourish with our art projects, so far we have made poinsettias and owls. Next, we will use the materials to bring to life our study on the moon and stars followed by a penguin project. My students are enthusiastic and appreciative of the supplies thanks to your donation.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
First Grade Engineers
Funded Mar 27, 2018My students were beyond excited when the materials arrived. I could instantly see the wheels start turning in their heads when they saw the various Lego kits. There are truly endless possibilities.
These Legos have really helped bring our social studies unit to life. In first grade, we learn a lot about our place on the map, and specifically talk about our community. These Legos have allowed the students to get creative and build our community including our school, fire station, neighborhoods, and stores. The students have loved getting to design and build their work and feel proud of what they have created.
I can't wait to use the Legos for STEAM challenges like who can build the fastest car to who can build the tallest tower. From social studies and science, to math and art. I'm so thankful for these materials and I can't wait to continue to develop lessons with them!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and 2 other donors.Making Science Hands On
Funded Nov 4, 2017Thank you so much for your donation. We have already used our flashlights for various science experiments. With our globe, we were able to recognize the various patterns the stars make with constellations. The students had a great time being scientists with their new tool, the flashlight. With our flashlights and paper plates, we created constellations and experimented with where we can best our projects. Students went all around the room trying to find the darkest spots to best see their stars.
Also, with our flashlights, we have investigated which materials are transparent, translucent, and opaque. Soon, we will use the flashlights to determine the effects objects have when placed in the way of a light source by casting shadows. I can't wait to find more science experiments for the students to enjoy with our new tools.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem
Kinder Coders
Funded May 19, 2017Our class was so excited when our packaged arrived. It has only been two days, and already I have parents running up to me to tell me how excited their students are to use the Bee-Bots. Our Bee-Bots are used every day as part of our reading rotations as its own center. The Bee-Bot center is set up as a boggle board for students to find words to spell. The students then "teach" Bee-Bot how to spell the words by coding him to move across the board to each letter.
We have also explored storytelling and sequencing skills with our treasure island-themed mat. Students get to code Bee-Bot to travel to different placed on the map and explain where he is going.
Bee-Bot is helping us with coding, spelling, map reading, storytelling, and communication skills. Some students work one-on-one with Bee-Bot, other times we have small groups or even whole class activities. Because of this donation, our possibilities with Bee-Bot are endless! We are forever grateful!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Diem