Past projects 2
Sensory Tools for Learning
Funded Aug 31, 2023I’m so grateful for your donation to my project. I feel students learn when their social emotional needs are prioritized as well as specific and individual leaning needs are met. This project will help me to achieve this in my classroom. I look forward to incorporating the use of these materials.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feeser
This classroom project was brought to life by Colorado Department of Education.Living Organisms and Their Habitats: A Kindergarten Investigation
Funded Sep 14, 2017I am so pleased to write to thank you and describe how the items you helped to buy impact the learning of my students. First, my students were so excited to open the packages and see the fish tanks and compost bin. They could not wait to add fish to the tanks. Our initial science unit focused on learning about the similarities and differences between our fish, guppies, goldfish and a betta. The students spent time observing the fish, recorded observations and wrote about the fish. Interest deepened as the seeds we planted in the aquaponic tank grew. The students were intrigued with the speed with which the wheat grass and radish spouts grew. This led to further observations about the plant growth. Students frequently trim the plants to feed to our classroom guinea pig. New seed are planted as the old ones are used to keep a constant cycle of food growing for our guinea pig. We also planted a few pumpkin seeds following our pumpkin patch field trip and observed as the seed sprouted into a small plant. In addition, each week some of the water from the fish tanks needs to be removed and fresh water is added. We use the dirty water to water our classroom plants to help them grow. Through the use of the materials purchased by donors, students are learning about sustainability and life cycles. They are also learning about respect and the care of living beings.
Our enjoyment of the materials has not waned. The students experimented with putting a variety of items in the compost bin. They are looking forward to spring when we will add earthworms and red worms to the bin and observe the impact the worms have on the compost. The composted soil will then be used to plant seeds that the students will be able to take home to their families.
The sense of calming that is brought to our classroom through the living beings we care for is unparalleled. Our classroom pets help to soothe distressed children and offer engagement to a child who may be having a difficult time. Feeding the fish and guinea pig (greens from the aquaponics) provides a preferred activity that students look forward to each morning. It helps make goodbyes to loved ones a little easier.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made all of this possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Feeser