Past projects 3
Learning to Read and Reading to Learn
Funded Sep 30, 2019My students wondered were all these new items were coming from. When I told them, they were wondering if they could get more! This was a perfect teaching moment to talk about how to appreciate what we were already given. Our schedule that kept falling down is now placed with care so the calendar helper can read what comes next, their book boxes don't fall over anymore because they can hold all the book they want to read, and sitting at the table to play math games (with the expo markers!) or write is more comfortable than the tile floor now that we have a carpet there!
Every day, we use the gifts that were given to us. They help the students learn to read. The calendar helper has to tell the class what resource (art, music, etc.) we will have for that day by placing it inside the Schedule Pocket Chart. The book boxes can hold more books helping the first graders extend their vocabularies even more! The pencil sharpener will keep our pencils sharp so we can continue to practice writing what we have learned in reading group time. The first graders love writing with expo markers because it is different than a pencil. We use those for writing words, sentences, and math games. After learning, we clean up by using the timer to let the students know how long they have untill they need to be on the carpet. The students liked playing the clean up "game" at first, now it is a learned skill.
Thanks again for your everything you have given us, not just the gifts, but also opportunities for more writing practice, growing vocabularies, and responsibility life skills.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pleasant
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 7 other donors.A Comfortable Learning Place
Funded Sep 14, 2018My first graders and I are ecstatic for your generosity to make our classroom more comfortable!
We have used the resources you gifted by painting picture that depicts fall colors and while learning about Virginia state symbols. We have used the hand pointers in our big book center and Smart board center during reading time to keep us on track while reading. I use the flip chart markers to record our learning and help us remember strategies. And lastly the light filters keeps our classroom a calm and mellow place to make sure we stay focused.
When my students noticed that we had received new materials, they all wanted to try them out. I put out the pointers so they would get a little more excited to read. Everyone wanted to explore the paint with their hands but they helped me talk about how we can use the brushes and cups effectively. My students didn't know the purpose of light covers and they probably don't see the effect it has, but after pointing out how much quieter our classroom was they have learned to love it!
By contributing to our project, you have made our classroom a quieter, fun, and unique place to have daily learning. Thank you again! Look out for our next project, All About Plants! We will focus on how plants grow, what they need, and the stages of a plant.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pleasant
The Friendly First Grade Reading Corner
Funded Mar 27, 2018First I want to say, "thank you!". Me and the students were extremely grateful for your generosity and kindness. When I found out that my project was funded fully, I checked my email every day to see how much closer the package was to arriving. I did not tell the students beforehand, so the news of a new library would get memorable reaction.
The packages arrived right before school let out and was dropped off by our wonderful custodian. The kids immediately started questioning what were in the giant boxes. It was hard to keep it in but I told them it was a surprise! The next day, the students came in and saw their new library center! The memorable reaction was there and now stored away in my heart. EVERYONE wanted to go read in the library. I felt bad to limit it to four people (for safety reasons of course!).
From that day till the end of the year, I could tell that the cozy reading corner was encouraging them to read more. They enjoyed the flexible seating, finding a new book using the book bins and labels, and being able to lay back in the bean bags to loose their mind in a good book. The items that were gifted to us have been used to learn about sorting books, respecting our things and each other, a good reading environment, and how to choose a good book.
Thanks again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Pleasant
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple.