Past projects 3
A Place for Everyone!
Funded Aug 5, 2021Our new rug arrived the day before school started and I was so excited! This meant that I was able to have it ready when the kids arrived and use it to teach the carpet expectations from day one! It made our classroom feel so warm and inviting on the first day and the kids could not wait to find out what letter they would get to sit on.
Each week the kids get a new letter to sit on and learn for the week. They love finding out which color row they will be in and what picture they will sit on. This has helped students learn letters and sound recognition. The rug allows each student to have their own personal space when the class gathers around the carpet. This has helped students learn about personal space and gives them a visual reminder.
I cannot wait to continue to gather around our new rug to read stories and make memories together as a class family!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cannady
Play, Our Favorite Way to Learn!
Funded Aug 15, 2019I am so grateful for your generous donations that have helped me to create engaging and hands on learning experiences for my students. Through your donations I have been able to create different themed dramatic play centers that align to our curriculum and learning standards. I have created a camping center where students pretend they are camping by grilling, cooking smores or fish over a campfire, going fishing, taking nature walks, etc. As well as a grocery store, bakery, coffee shop, veterinarian clinic, ice cream shop, and gardening and flower shop. Students are learning how to share and use oral language to build their social skills when engaging in play with one another.
My students were thrilled to find out that we had new materials that they were going to get to play with during center time. My students look forward to center time each day because they cannot wait to play in the dramatic play center with their friends. This center provides them with real authentic learning experiences that they are truly engaged in. I enjoy watching them play and listening to their conversations when ordering food from the "chef" or the "cashier" asking the customer to pay $5 for their ice cream. It is amazing to hear the oral language they use with one another and how much they use their real-life experiences during pretend play.
We are currently working on a weather station dramatic play unit. Students are going to pretend to be a camera crew while their classmates predict the weather forecast for the week. They will be able to explain how to be prepared for all different weather conditions. Students will research different types of weather and their final project will allow them to go behind a green screen and give a weather forecast about the type of weather they researched with their group. This allows us to use the science standards and integrate them through reading, writing, and math experiences. This concept seems complex for kindergarten but when they are engaged and excited about learning, anything is possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cannady
Wobble Chairs for Wiggly Students!
Funded Dec 11, 2017To say that my students were thrilled when trying out our new wobble chairs would be an understatement. Every single student was dying to have their turn to sit on these chairs and complete their work. The first time they saw them, it was like a game of musical chairs allowing each student a chance to sit on one of the stools. Since the beginning of the school year, I have been slowly adding different types of seating in our classroom to give students choice in where they sit and help them find a comfortable place to learn. We have everything from seat cushions on the floor, scoop chairs, crate seats, to the Kore Wobble stools which have been everyone's favorite including myself. It is not about which seat is the most fun, but it is about where each child learns best.
My students are allowed to choose where they sit during reading, writing, and stations which are times during the day that they have to sit for an extended period of time. I have noticed the first place everyone chooses to sit at is the table with the Kore Wobble stools. Many of my students have ADHD, impulsive behaviors, lack of focus, and several with no behavior issues at all. I have found that the Kore Wobble stools provide my students with a calming effect that allows them to complete their work and sustain their focus for longer periods of time. It allows them to fidget, move, and wiggle while they work so that they don't feel the need to get out of their seat and move. Those who need to move about can do so without interfering with their learning or the learning of others. Along with helping my students focus, I have noticed that some of my students' core strength has improved as well as their fine motor skills and handwriting. I cannot wait to continue to see the impact these chairs have on my students. I could not have provided this opportunity without your help and I am beyond grateful for it!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cannady