Past projects 7
THT: TEACHERS HELPING TEACHERS
Funded Jan 24, 2023I have been able to purchase several lessons for my government and economic classes with the Teachers Pay Teachers gift cards. For my government classes I was able to find lessons specific for the branches of government. These lessons supported short videos on concepts students needed to learn and helped reinforce this learning for both visual and English language learners.
For economics I was able to find activities/simulations students have so much fun doing with their peers, and watching them improve their social-emotional well-being through engagement while learning concepts was not only a positive outcome but a goal. I also was able to find lessons that supplemented a long standing project I like to do with students which is that they are to create a business project and present in class which students enjoy. Thank you again for your generosity and support towards education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
This classroom project was brought to life by Tony and Nanar Yoseloff.AP Strong!
Funded Nov 10, 2021My students are using their materials everyday, whether pens, Post-Its, or are sorting and organizing their materials in their 3-ring binder. As soon as their assignments are returned they immediately hole-punch it and look to see where to place it using the dividers donated with labels of the various units of study.
My students were so delighted and giddy to receive the supplies. They were so appreciative and wanted to know who donated. They certainly loved the different colored gel pens, and colorful binders.
Currently my students, who are all seniors are preparing for the AP exam, and for most of them, more than one. We are continuing to study the executive branch, bureaucracy, and of course the situation with Ukraine.
Thank you again for your support, my students and I appreciate your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
This classroom project was brought to life by Clorox and 3 other donors.“What Are Magazines?”
Funded Oct 12, 2020The articles allow for multiple reading levels for easy differentiation, especially helping English language learners. I demonstrate to students how they can choose reading level to help with understanding and clicking on certain vocabulary that is highlighted. The articles also have a feature allowing them to choose Text-to-Speech, which is a tremendous aide where they can follow along with the text, helping those auditory learners.
As of now with distance learning, choice of reading material and topics available allow for student choice which helps to motivate. The sharing of analysis, issues through writing and discussion features further support critical thinking skills.
I have received positive feedback as to the multitude of articles and most interesting topics too. I particularly find special education students and English Language Learners are especially enjoying the magazines. Assignments given related to the magazines have a high rate of submission which is an indication that they do enjoy the magazines. In addition, I often ask for opinions and commentaries which have been positive.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
The Great Equalizer: Technology
Funded May 28, 2020Thank you again for your generous support in helping me purchase updated technology, the Microsoft Surface Pro, keyboard, and the stylus. I love the flexibility the Surface Pro with the stylus gives me to create and share with my students. I can use the Microsoft Whiteboard feature as a virtual "whiteboard" while Zooming and write down notes using the stylus, and clarify information for students.
The Surface Pro is easy to use with the many resources available for teachers. It gives me the ability to create lessons with ease which helps me focus on the effectiveness and objective of the lessons rather than how slow my personal computer was or apps I could not access with an outdated computer.
I have been able to access a variety of resources, create lessons, and present lessons with ease engaging students with the content. One particular resource Nearpod, students are able to engage with the lessons rather than just sit behind a screen with little interaction. Implementing such lessons like one on mindfulness with my 10th grade advisory students, I know immediately in real time students engaging with the content which I was able to access through the Surface Pro.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Teens Love Reading Too!
Funded Dec 31, 2019The Upfront magazines and specifically the digital resources available were extremely helpful, and came at a time that was so needed, during this time of distance learning. Had it not been for the digital resources provided, my students would not have had access to the physical copies. I have used the Upfront magazines for over fourteen years, and I, and my students are never disappointed with the articles, videos, and assignments available for different types of learners too.
Teaching the social sciences, including government, I am always trying to find ways to connect students with the importance of learning concepts, developing critical thinking skills, and events. I can have a class of 40 students easily read these magazines for 25-35 minutes in silence and then hold a class discussion or debate for another 30 minutes, which is a testament to how valuable these reading materials are to my students.
I have seen the most reluctant readers actually reading, again demonstrating how valuable these resources are to me but most importantly for my students. These magazines support all learners and are visually engaging with infographics, political cartoons, and maps. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
Integrating Visual Art to Learn History-Social Science
Funded Jan 16, 2019These supplies help my students with a variety of projects including working with a partner with understanding concepts related to the Constitution. Another activity, in which these supplies were helpful, is when students in groups of 3 to 4 had to create a "tree" with the "roots" of democracy, illustrating through symbols and statements describing the various influences on American democracy. In addition, 12th grade students recently used the markers to display what they thought were ways to be successful on poster paper and then engaged in a gallery walk and we then had a whole class discussion.
Students were excited to see that someone indeed cared enough to donate and support the classes with purchasing these supplies. They were extremely appreciative and excited that the supplies are all available, organized, and easily accessible for individual as well as group assignments.
Teaching social sciences, such as United States History, and government, I am always trying to find ways to connect students with the importance of learning concepts and events. Finding resources and projects that are relevant to United States History and what is currently happening with our nation in teaching government is ongoing from year to year, and as I complete 25 years of teaching, no one year is ever the same.
I am extremely grateful for your generosity in helping with the purchasing of school supplies, including glue, colored pencils, and markers. Again, thank you so much for your support, it is much appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
This classroom project was brought to life by Someone Who Cares and one other donor.Students as Creators
Funded Dec 31, 2014When I told students that the color paper used to copy their assignments, or activities was given through donation they began to ask lots of questions about the program. I explained how teachers many times spend their own money but that I was fortunate to have someone donate. They love the fact that it is easy to find their assignments especially when I tell them what color I am looking for, such as the bright green paper with the career chart assignment.
I find that my students all benefit but even more so for those students with special needs who sometimes need assistance with keeping things organized. I in fact have five students in one of my classes and I definitely see an improvement in how their folder is organized.
The large drawing paper I received, I use for such activities as students working in groups to summarize a section of the chapter. I also like to hold gallery walks in which I post student work around the room with blue painter's tape and students then have to walk from "poster" to "poster" and read the information and take notes. At other times I have had students present to the rest of the class their "poster." I also like to post student work on the walls for everyone to enjoy. At times its difficult to post every single student's work up because its close to 100 students, posting group work I know every students' work is posted. I see students interact and converse about the subject matter when they are working in groups and have a goal to accomplish on a drawing paper.
I definitely see the benefits of using colored paper and drawing paper in my teaching practice and will continue to do so as long as I'm able to. Thank you once again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Villafaña
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Team and 2 other donors.