Past projects 5
Fifth Graders Want to Knit!
Funded Nov 12, 2024My fifth graders were thrilled to receive the knitting needles and other notions that you helped us obtain! Last year, when they were still fourth graders, many of these students were very jealous that I only allowed fifth graders into knitting club, and had been looking forward to their chance to join for months. Now that they are old enough, they have jumped at the opportunity to learn to knit! I had over 25 students sign up to learn and checked out all the new needles within the first month of receiving them. All students have learned how to cast on and the basic knit stitch, and they are working on making their own knitting bags. They come up at lunchtime (as you can see in the photos!) and chat and laugh between muttering to themselves, "in through the front door, around the back...". They are so proud of the fabric they are slowly creating. Next stop: binding off!”
With gratitude,
Ms. O'Brien
Amazing Science Supplies for Amazing Scientists
Funded Nov 1, 2023Thank you so much for the supplies you helped provide for my classroom. My students devoured the snacks within weeks of their arrival, making it clear to me how much they need more healthy food options during the school day. Snacks like Goldfish crackers, applesauce pouches, and almonds helped replace the low-nutrition, high-calorie snacks that many students typically bring to school. In addition, the fidgets and kickbands were an instant hit with my students, helping them stay focused during lessons and also have a little fun.
We have not yet used the wonderful science project kits and books you provided with this project. My students are in the middle of research projects on their favorite animals, learning about their life cycles, habitats, and the environmental threats they face. They are learning that nearly all creatures are endangered in some way by climate change. Our next project will be to use the science materials to learn about ways to mitigate climate change and help our animal friends. They are super excited to read about what they can do to help and to get their hands on these cool learning experiences.”
With gratitude,
Ms. O'Brien
This classroom project was brought to life by 3M and one other donor.Make our Speaking Visible
Funded Mar 19, 2023Having this technology in my classroom has made such a difference for my English language learners. With the projector, I am able to show students examples of what I want them to learn. They are able to use the headsets and microphones to make high-quality voice recordings so they can improve their speaking ability. The extra-long charging cables ensure that our iPads are never out of battery when we need to work.
With all three of these tools (projector, headsets, and charging cables), students are able to easily share their work (in the form of recorded spoken responses to prompts) with their peers for on-the-spot feedback. My students love being able to use technology to improve their English language skills.
These tools also help for the state English language development test, for which they need to record spoken responses into a headset. Previously my students were very shy about taking this test, but no more! They now have ample experience doing it in class thanks for our DonorsChoose materials.”
With gratitude,
Ms. O'Brien
Learn Outside, but Keep Things Dry!
Funded Sep 16, 2021The outdoor cabinet for our school garden has immeasurably enhanced our students' experience of learning in our natural classroom. Before, tools were scattered all over the space, and many materials had been damaged by being constantly exposed to the elements. For example, our gardening gloves had started to mold, and some of our clipboards had warped. Plastic seedling containers, which we wanted to save for reuse, intermingled with true garbage, making our garden look dirty and creating the impression that litter is fine. Now, with our beautiful new cabinet, all our materials can be safe and dry. We have spades, forks, watering cans, and gloves all at kid-height, easy to get out and put away. Above, we keep planting materials as well as tools for academic work in the garden, such as pencils, scissors, wood sticks for labeling, and yes, clipboards. The students have taken such ownership of the materials in the cabinet, and they feel proud to have access to tools and storage space that allow them to be real gardeners. One wouldn't think that a simple closet could make such a difference, but it has!”
With gratitude,
Ms. O'Brien
Take Our Learning Outside
Funded Aug 6, 2021I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the supplies you helped provide for my students. My students--almost all recent immigrants to the U.S.--absolutely love studying in our school garden. Every day, when we pass through the red gate, they can't wait to get to work on learning English and reading. Something about sitting under the shade of the pomegranate tree seems to help even the most energetic students to be a bit more calm and focused.
None of this would be possible without the outdoor learning materials funded through this project. When students take up their seats on the wooden benches, they can all see the lesson on the rolling whiteboard cart. When they need to write, their clipboards are at the ready. And the first time they saw their individual supply pouches stuffed with materials, they were over the moon! They love having their own things, and I love that they're not sharing germs.
Being in the garden has inspired us to bring a little more nature into our lessons, as well. My 4th and 5th grade students are learning about environments and living systems in our classes, and I plan to have the students grow their own food in some of the raised beds. We will continue to use our outdoor supplies for learning right where we plant.”
With gratitude,
Ms. O'Brien