Past projects 24
Pocket Charts Please!
Funded May 14, 2019The pocket charts and resources you gifted us have been put to daily use in our classroom! My students love the independence they feel as they navigate the school with their new passes, and take on responsibility and accountability with their weekly job assignments. From line leaders, to table captains and teacher assistants, they are all eager to be in charge of important tasks which often encourage them to interact and gain confidence in the school beyond our classroom.
My students are also able to enjoy a sense of ownership and pride when they become the teachers in our lessons. Every day they have the opportunity to share what they've learned with others. They also gain valuable practice in taking turns, being encouraging to their friends, and allowing others to stand in the spotlight. I love watching their confidence grow as they take on leadership roles in our classroom, and I thank you sincerely for giving them the tools with which to do so!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lenihan
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 9 other donors.Learning Within Reach
Funded Apr 9, 2019Our new teaching easel with storage has helped us get this school year off to a really great start! We have already felt its impact on the ease and flow of our daily learning. Tools for Morning Meeting and teaching circles are readily available, making transitions from one activity to another a breeze.
The teaching easel also provides greater organization in the classroom, alleviating clutter, which makes for a very happy teacher! In addition, our improved storage has freed up space for more exciting features, like a new sharing shelf, where students can select favorite stories for independent reading!
As we move along through the year, we will rotate materials to keep things fresh and relevant. We are so thankful for friends like you who help make our daily learning environment functional, and also very special. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lenihan
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 4 other donors.Math Makes Sense!
Funded Feb 21, 2018Our resources arrived just in time for our unit on teen numbers! We immediately dove into using our number bonds and ten frames. It's always fun to have a new math tool to manipulate, but more importantly, these tools really helped deepen understanding for my students. Even children who were still having trouble associating numerals to quantities, were able to fully participate manipulating greater numbers, and these activities in turn have helped them strengthen their basic skills. Wikki Stix have helped tremendously with identifying and writing numerals, for those needing extra reinforcement. Those ready for a challenge have had so much fun playing "I Sea Ten!".
Every new tool I've introduced has been met with excitement and enthusiasm. It has really been wonderful witnessing the impact on my students' understanding of numbers. Thank you for providing my students with these valuable resources!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lenihan
ABC Gathering Place!
Funded Nov 12, 2017I am not sure how to fully express my gratitude for your kindness and generosity. I wish you could have been there to hear my students' gasps of wonder and excitement, and their wide-eyed joy at finding this tremendous, beautiful carpet in our daily meeting space. Without exaggeration, our classroom life has been transformed! Sure, it may be just a rug, but it encourages us to identify our own space while respecting our neighbor's, and in so doing, it allows us to enjoy learning together that much more. Math Circles are so fun when everyone can see and access the materials we are sharing. We get to hop around and move as we learn the alphabet and identify sounds in words. Oh, but my favorite is that during our Morning Meeting, my kids took it upon themselves to start calling on each other not by their names, but by the letter in which they sit! They love giving clues to watch their friends figure out who gets the next turn to teach!
Once they'd had some time to enjoy their new space and make it part of their daily routine, I explained to my kids that this carpet was something I had wanted for them for a very long time, but wasn't able to provide it on my own. I told them that I reached out to friends, and that you all came together to give them this gift. They responded with "Awww!" "They did???" "For us?" I had barely finished asking if they would like to write thank you letters to send you, when bouncing and giddy they replied, "YES!" They wanted you to know some of the moments and activities they look forward to, which you helped provide. As you know my young students are just developing their writing skills, so their expression may be simple, but the gratitude in their hearts is very great, and it is evident to me each day in so many ways.
Even though by virtue of being the first, this is the only class that will get the opportunity to thank you personally, your contribution will impact the learning experience of hundreds of children for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lenihan