Past projects 232
The Bare Necessities Of Pre-K
Funded Jul 21, 2014I am so grateful to both of you for providing new materials for our classroom. We definitely needed new art materials and the children have already begun using them. The children will really enjoy going to the art center and it will give them the opportunity to express themselves and use their imagination.
They will also learn math and science while not even realizing it. Their eye/hand coordination and small muscle control will also begin to improve as they begin to use their new art materials. I believe that through cooperative grouping and by using learning centers we will promote positive social interactions. The children will work together and will learn important skills such as sharing, compromising, cooperating, and negotiating. I am also thankful for the new puzzle rack as this is something we really need. The children are also going to love the new doll and the new doll clothes.
By using all these new materials, the children will be encouraged to explore and problem solve. Four year olds are learning and having fun when they do something as simple as complete a puzzle, play with dolls or complete an art project.Thank you for helping to change our classroom into a "magical" one. Happy Fall to both of you and once again, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Future Pulitzer Prize Winners from Pre-K
Funded Aug 24, 2014We have started making our storybooks using the blank books and the children are truly excited about the book making process. The children are doing a terrific job illustrating the books and writing stories. They have been so enthusiastic about their new task and are enjoying the new crayons and markers.
Our new crayons and markers are truly making their illustrations look really vibrant and alive. The look of pride and accomplishment after completing just a few pages of work is priceless. It is so heartwarming to know that there are people in the world who truly care about the education of young children.
The children will be so excited when they have completed their books and are able to take them home. We are planning to have a publishing party with iced tea and cookies. These books will be cherished for many years to come. Once again, thank you for your kindness and generosity. We appreciate all you have done to help us become lifelong writers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 3 other donors.Puzzled In Pre-K
Funded Aug 27, 2014The children have started using all the magnificent puzzles! The children are able to do the puzzles independently or as part of a small group. It is great to see them work together to complete a puzzle because they are not only building academic skills but social skills as well. I have never met a child who doesn't enjoy doing puzzles. The look of pride and accomplishment on a child's face after completing a puzzle is priceless!
The puzzles will help them with their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spacial awareness, critical thinking and problem solving skills. It will also foster social development among the students. The children are learning about shapes and patterns in a fun and productive way. It is an enjoyable and challenging way for children to build academic and social skills.
Thank you so much for giving my students the wonderful, priceless opportunity to work on puzzles. It is an important and necessary part of an early childhood education. I really appreciate your generosity and all you have done for my curious little sponges. The puzzles will be used for many, many years to come by enthusiastic four year olds. Thank you for your generosity and concern!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Tales for Tots
Funded May 6, 2014I am writing to thank you, Elsa for the wonderful books you have purchased for our classroom. The children read the story, "The Big Green Scary Monster" yesterday and they were fascinated. The children they made their own monster and retold the story in their own words. The children also have been taking turns putting together their new giant puzzle. This is always a favorite activity and is a wonderful learning experience. Later today, we are going to read the pop-up books and this will truly capture their attention.
The books will be read in class and will go home with the children as part of our classroom lending library. I will read each book to the children and I know that the children will truly love them. I am so excited that l now have a copy of these treasured books for my classroom library.
Thank you for the books and for being such a generous, thoughtful person. I will now be able to read these books to dozens of children for many years to come. Have a wonderful and happy summer season!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Octo Moms and Dads in Pre-K
Funded May 6, 2014Thank you so much, Elsa and Ekua! I am so excited because our new dolls have arrived. My little students often do not have the enriching, engaging toys that help stimulate their imaginations and learning. The children are going to love playing with fresh, brand new dolls.
My little ones are fun, silly, loving, energetic, kind and very caring. These new dolls will be a breath of fresh air into our little home away from home. These dolls will certainly fill our classroom with a sense of wonder and curiosity. For many of my students this is an opportunity to play, learn about friendships and a place to acquire new knowledge and experiences.
Thank you so much for helping to provide the type of environment that will give our four year olds a "magical" year in Pre-K . Your donation will make a big difference. Happy Spring!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Newsweek for Pre-K Speak
Funded May 6, 2014Thank you, thank you, thank you! The children love to read their special newspapers and they are learning so much. It makes each child feel so grown up and they are eager to begin reading. The children light up when it time to read their newspapers.
The children will learn about holidays, current events, feelings, other people, and the world about them. It is a fun but educational way to learn! The newspapers are giving the children a chance to speak in class and orally discuss the news. The children are also able to follow the simple text and this is building their reading skills.
I am so thankful to you, Elsa for giving my young students the opportunity to gain new information and to be given the chance at becoming successful future readers. We read the issue about the life cycle of a butterfly yesterday and the children were fascinated. They felt really "grown up" completing the short question answer section on the last page. It is so rewarding to see the children grow in leaps and bounds physically, mentally, and emotionally and your donation will certainly help in the development of my little ones. Thank You, Elsa. Happy Spring!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Inner City Meets Mother Nature's Global Family
Funded Apr 23, 2014The children have been completely engaged and interested in learning about plant growth since we just used the planting kit that arrived in our classroom this week. When the children are engaged, I believe I will keep their interest which will lead to a strong foundation in early childhood science. The children had an opportunity to plant and that really made nature come alive for them.
Today was a wonderful day! The children went on a trip to Central Park and a park ranger gave them a short tour around Belvedere Castle. The children had a blast! When they returned they took a rest and when they got up they discovered three new floor puzzles and went right to work figuring them out. We truly new needed new floor puzzles and I am very grateful for your generous donation.
I have realized that preschoolers learn best through experiences that are integrated and multi-sensory. The children have been learning about different animals and their habitats. Our fish aquarium is a beloved area of the classroom. We sure needed new aquarium filters to maintain our sparkling, clean aquarium which can be very pleasing to the eye. We also used the green ink pads to make leaves on paper and we learned about the different parts of a plant. This experience enriched our unit on plants. Thank you for helping us explore science right here in our classroom.
I have yet to meet a child who was not interested in nature. This experience may lead to a lifetime of learning in exploration and discovery. Thank you both so much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
The Bare Necessities Of Pre-K
Funded Apr 23, 2014I am so grateful to you, Sarah for providing new materials for our classroom. We definitely needed new art materials and the children have already begun using them. The children will really enjoy going to the art center and it will give them the opportunity to express themselves and use their imagination.
They will also learn math and science and not even realize it. Their eye/hand coordination and small muscle control will also begin to improve as they begin to paint, draw and use playdoh on a daily basis. I believe that through cooperative grouping and by using learning centers we will promote positive social interactions. The children will work together and will learn important skills such as sharing, compromising, cooperating, and negotiating.
By using all these new materials, the children will be encouraged to explore and problem solve. Four year olds are learning and having fun when they do something as simple as paint on the easel or use watercolors. Thank you for changing our classroom into a "magical" one. Happy Spring, Sarah!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Intra-Terrestrial Part 6
Funded Oct 1, 2013We had a absolutely wonderful time at the Queens County Farm. I am eager to write this thank you note to all of you. The children had an awesome experience. The program was exceptionally good. The children were completely engaged and interested in the farm and in the entire program especially when they participated in making fresh butter. When the children are engaged, I believe I will keep their interest which will lead to a strong foundation in early childhood science and the arts.
The Queens County Farm made nature come alive in an enjoyable, learning environment. They introduced the children to a dozen different farm animals and the work that takes place on a farm. They loved seeing and touching the animals up close. They especially enjoyed feeding the animals.
The children learn best through experiences that are integrated and multi-sensory. They learned about the different characteristics of animals and their habitats. This experience enriched our Pre-K program and the children had a wonderful time. Thank you for giving us a magical, exciting experience.
This was a trip the children will never forget. This experience may lead to a lifetime of learning in exploration and discovery. Thank you all so much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly
Intra-Terrestrial Part 5
Funded Oct 1, 2013We just got back from the Queens Zoo. I could not wait to write this thank you note. The children had an awesome experience. The program was exceptionally good. The children were completely engaged and interested in the various different zoo animals and in the entire program especially when they participated in the classroom experience. When the children are engaged, I believe I will keep their interest which will lead to a strong foundation in early childhood science.
The Queens Zoo made nature come alive in an enjoyable, learning environment. They introduced the children to different animals and the work that takes place in a zoo. They loved seeing and touching the animals up close in the farm animal area of the zoo. They especially enjoyed feeding the animals.
The children got to picnic outside and as they ate, they could view the seals eating fish for lunch. The children even got to see an eagle and a snowy owl for the very first time. The entire trip was awesome from beginning to end. Thank you for the wonderful memories!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kelly