Past projects 7
Board and Books
Funded Dec 28, 2022Your donation to our classroom has made a significant impact. The box of heavy duty clips allow all of our anchor charts to be posted around the room, and the spice rack shelves provide great places for easy access to books around the classroom. It also allows for me to have organization for the teacher manuals each day. I know exactly where they are at all times. I absolutely love the bright blue magnetic erasers. They are always accessible to me and the kids when we are sharing strategies on the front board.
The books are classroom favorites. The Magical Yet was read aloud and turned into a narrative writing where the students wrote about a time they struggled to learn something new and through perseverance and a willingness to try, succeeded at obtaining their goal.
In a classroom with many young minds, the little things make a big difference. Organization and variety in books that inspire young minds are important. We can't thank you enough for supporting our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee
Filter the Light
Funded Nov 28, 2022These amazing light filters make such a difference in setting the tone of calm and peace in our classroom. They cover every light with a soft, blue glow. There is no more harsh florescent lights glaring down on my students as they learn.
When the students first walked into the classroom and noticed the light covers they were in awe. There were even audible gasps. The students are exicted to have balanced light in the classroom. There is no more shutting half the lights off while leaving half the lights on in order to dim the florescent glow.
My lovely students are so appreciative, the novelty still has not worn off. They walk in calmer, transition calmer, and there is a sense of comfort and peace within our four walls that didn't exist before the light filters were installed. Thank you for supporting my students. The light filters are not books or supplies, but they are an addition that has made an immense difference in my students' learning environment.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee
Choice, Comfort, & Classmates. Together We Learn!
Funded Sep 9, 2021I can't thank you enough! The students were THRILLED to see the large package arrive to our classroom. They couldn't imagine what could be inside. It arrived shortly after introducing flexible seating to the students, and they were eager to try out the new work area!
The floor table with seats was the perfect addition to our classroom. It allows students to sit comfortably while learning. The students have learned through trial and reflection which spots in the room they learn best. They can identify where they are focused and most engaged. The table and seats has become a classroom favorite especially for times when they are writing. It is also perfect for when students are working in a small group or with a partner.
The students often express their gratitude for the flexible seating options in our classroom. They do not take for granted the choices they are given and the impact it has on their learning. Your donation has also benefited the mental health of my students. They are happy coming to school. They call our classroom "Our home away from home."
Thank you again for your generous donation to my classroom. I have invested a lot into flexible seating options for my classroom, and this was an item I never could have purchased on my own. You made our wish come true!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee
Let's Bounce a Bit!
Funded Nov 15, 2018The students are enjoying the amazing learning tools daily! It is great to see students comfortable while they learn and release extra energy which helps them to focus. While taking an important test you can see students' legs bouncing on the bands. While reading a book or working on writing students use the blue airplane seat which gives them great posture and comfort. I witnessed a student recently bounce on the balance ball while reading a book. It ALL benefits the students.
The students were in amazement of the enormous packages that arrived in our classroom! They eagerly helped me to unpack each box. As we unpacked together I explained to them where the items came from and the generosity of all the donors-YOU.
Students will continue to use these learning "spots" for years to come. My next step is to continue to think of ideas that would make great flexible seating options for my students and find ways to get them for my classroom. My students' next steps are to continue to grow and learn in an environment which supports their unique personalities and needs.
Thank you for supporting us!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee
Dim the Lights and Light Up Our Reading!
Funded Dec 5, 2017The Amazon box arriving was such an exciting moment for my students. There were actual cheers of excitement. A few students wanted to take each light out of their box during recess time. Immediately they asked, "When is Read to Self time Mrs. Weatherbee?"
During reading time they couldn't wait to get their hands on a light. Students went off to their reading spots and devoured their books. They shut off all overhead lights and read only by the light glow of their new book lights. I could feel the relief that EVERYONE could have a light. There was no more mad dash to the book lights or sighs of disappointment when a student didn't get to use a light. Student's stamina was stronger than ever. They looked and felt like REAL readers. That gift you have given my students will never be forgotten. To some it may just be a book light. To these students these lights hold the gift of the mindset that they are readers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee
ADHD Sensitive Classroom
Funded Aug 23, 2017The resources and materials from this Donor's Choose project have shown immeasurable value to the classroom. The increase in stamina and focus during learning time is noticeable in ALL students (ADHD and non diagnosed), and I truly believe it is due largely to the students having more of a choice in where to learn. In the beginning of the year students tried all of the flexible seating options, and they have now chosen a temporary reading and writing spot. They are truly putting thought into where they learn. I asked one girl if she'd like to change her spot to a wobble seat since one was available, and she respectfully declined because she felt her "stamina was best" where she was sitting.
The students were in awe of the choices of where to learn. They were eager to try the standing desks and wobble chairs. It has been interesting to watch certain students thrive in these spots while others recognize that they learn best on the floor with a tray table or at a standard desk. I love to watch them set up for the day. They look like they are creating little office spaces to work.
The next steps are to rotate the spots so that students don't get bored of where they are sitting. Although they can always opt to have their spot stay the same if that is best for them. I'd also like to continue to add more options. Perhaps I will get brave and have four more standard desks removed to make room for more flexible seating options.
The other day I was getting ready to teach my mini lesson and one student commented that reading and writing is her favorite part of the day. It was a chorus of responses after that..."Me too!" It made my heart smile. The classroom structure and climate is showing tremendous growth in motivation, stamina, increased reading and writing ability, as well as students simply feeling joy and comfort while learning. If you were in my room during this time, you would see students swaying ever so slightly on the wobble stools and standing tall and proud at a standing desk. You would see students learning.
Thank you for helping me to make this vision for my classroom possible. This room would be just sterile four walls and 30 desks and chairs if it wasn't for the changes I've made with your help and financial support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee
This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and 9 other donors.Trauma Sensitive Classroom
Funded Jun 6, 2017I can't thank you enough for supporting my vision of providing my students an area in the classroom where they can be if they need a moment to themselves because of behavior challenges and/or trauma. It was so amazing to launch this area on the first day of school. Many curious eyes looked at the table with wonder and curiosity. It seemed to build an instant bond. As I explained the purpose of the table they seemed to look at me with eyes that said, "You care about me." The first important step in teaching is building relationships with all your students and letting them know you are there for them and care for them beyond academics. Students were all given a chance to try out the table and the materials. It is a special area in the room. It is an area I wish I had created a long time ago.
Today I learned that one of my students witnessed his dad being shot and killed right in front of him when he was four years old. I often wonder what other traumatic experiences my students have had that I'm not aware of. There is a different student that comes to school every day crying. Once she gets settled into the atmosphere of the classroom she is reminded that this is a happy place, and whatever sadness she was feeling fades. These are just two examples of students that may need to utilize the "Break Table" throughout the year. I sent two students to the "Break Table" today as a reward for taking responsibility for their learning. These students used to sit in the back of the class with grumpy, distracted faces on during learning. Today these same two students sat in the front with folded hands, eyes on learning, and big smiles that warmed my heart the whole time I did my whole group mini lesson. This new space is used to encourage and reward learning growth as well as providing a space for those that need a few minutes of peace.
My next steps are to continue to utilize this space throughout the year. There are 50 students that walk through my room every day for reading and writing support as well as emotional support. I envision hanging a mural on the old green chalkboard behind the table. I've added coloring books and play dough to the table, and I'd also like to add other little odds and ends such as puzzles and mind games. This spot will continue to grow and evolve. I can't thank you all enough for supporting this vision and providing me with the tools to get it started.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Weatherbee