Past projects 7
More Books for Global Minded Readers
Funded Sep 5, 2016My "Globaleaders" and I cannot thank you enough for your kind donation. My third graders entered the classroom at all different reading levels, and I realized I did not have appropriate reading resources to meet their needs. The Reading Workshop set has allowed me to help my students learn how to use strategies to better understand a text. In fact, the books provided detailed lessons that described how to model important reading skills and strategies, and then letting my kids practice them independently. Such a model turned our English Language Arts block into an enjoyable reading and writing time loved by each one of my students.
During our Independent Reading Time, all of my students are excited to read self selected texts at their own reading level. I have seen they are participating more when we reconvene as a group to reflect on how our reading block went. They love sharing what they learned from their fiction and non-fiction books and are definitely learning from each other!
This grant opened a door to not only talk about the importance and value of reading, but also empathy and compassion. My "Globaleaders" and I appreciate you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza
Makers, Tinkers and Innovators!
Funded Dec 15, 2014My 4th and 5th grade students were super excited when we received the three Tinkering and Making books as well as the MakeyMakey sets. They could not stop thinking about the different projects they could create, design and modify. This is such an excellent way to apply the Design Thinking process, and the best part is that my kids were highly engaged!
Students used the MakeyMakey sets to connect objects with a computer, transforming them into computer keys. My kids worked in groups in order to remix a piano (created using scratch) so they could use it with MaKey MaKey! They also connected the kit to real bananas, and used up, down, left, right, space and mouse click to play some drums sounds. The possibilities are endless when kids are engaged and encouraged to be innovative.
With MaKey MaKey, my kids could playfully invent instruments, and controllers. These inventions allowed them to learn about the fundamentals of circuits and gained some great insight into how computers work. Every time they used the MakeyMakey kits, they demonstrated their creative thinking, constructed knowledge, and developed innovative products. They are getting "future ready"!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza
Making, Innovating, & Tinkering
Funded Dec 18, 2014We have a lot of great things that take place everyday within our school collaborative, active, creative, and connected library. The students love having access to books, eBooks, technology, Internet, and each other. But when the 3D printer arrived to our library, they were in awe! We asked a group of 5th graders to set it up and they had access to the first 3D printing project.
Our students are using the MakerBot 3D printer to supplement our electives program. Every Friday, our kids participate in an 1 hour long course of their choice in which they are exposed to a great variety of 21st century skills. Our kids are expanding their thinking and problem solving skills enabling them to become active learners. Moreover, our students are using the 3D printer to learn and design with a goal in mind. Making mistakes and modifications to their products have given them necessary skills for the future work place.
The MakerBot 3D printer has changed the way our students see learning and the world. Being able to lay their hands on their design has definitely enabled them to see what their learning actually looks like compared to others. In addition, the MakerBot 3D printer has brought a sense of community through collaboration and connecting to one another. By putting this amazing device into our students hands, we have told them that we believe they can create anything! Our students are getting "future ready".”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza
This classroom project was brought to life by NBCUniversal and 2 other donors.Students "Get the Wiggles Out" on Exercise Balls
Funded Dec 9, 2013My students were so excited the day I told them the grant was funded! When the shipment arrived, they brainstormed ideas on how to use them properly and created a poster with some tips on how to make them last as long as possible. Since they started using the stability balls, they feel unique at school as it is the only class using them as chairs in the classroom.
My fourth and fifth graders are really enjoying and using the exercise ball as a way to help them stay fit, avoid slouching and keep them active throughout the day. The stability balls themselves do not provide my students with knowledge, but they enhance the learning environment because the exercise balls allow students to focus excess energy in a positive manner. This energy release does a couple of things: it keeps my students from causing a class disruption and allows them to focus on the task at hand therefore helping them acquire more knowledge.
At the end of the day, my students have fulfilled their need for movement, completed their assignments in a neat and timely manner, learned more, and are less tired and happier in general.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza
Encouraging Active Participation in Math & Science!
Funded Nov 14, 2012This is just a small token of my gratitude for you really generous donation to my classroom and school. The Jeopardy system that you donated had a positive impact on my students' learning as the fifth grade team used it as a way to review math and science concepts in a school-wide contest.
Our school is a Title I school so your help allowed me to add a vital resource to our building. Having a solid foundation in Math and Science in fifth grade - and all grade levels - is essential in students' lives. However, the Jeopardy System allowed students to have a more enjoyable and memorable learning experience.
Without donors like you, thousands of classrooms in the United States would go without.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza
Connecting Math/Science to Ss' Background and Experiences!
Funded Nov 14, 2011I want to sincerely thank you for your donation. I greatly appreciate your generosity in helping me meet my students' needs.
All the science materials (mountain model, compasses, and iron fillings) have provided my students great opportunities to acquire new vocabulary. We have used the iron filling during science demonstrations to show the direction of a magnetic field. They have also used and read a compass and map during an orienteering activity I created at school. The mountain model allowed them to understand how plate tectonics move and shape Earth's crust. Finally, the classroom supplies (pencil sharpener, and markers) are used everyday during projects, tests, or daily assignments.
I thank you again for your generosity and support in my pursuit of meeting my learners' needs.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza
Catching Up!
Funded Nov 15, 2010I am a 5th grade bilingual teacher who loves to help students become productive citizens for tomorrow's society. My classroom is full of children that are eager to learn and overcome the language barrier.
Both resources, "the Comprehension Concepts Teaching Center" and the "At-My-Desk Reading Comprehension Activity Library", have been vital resources for my learners to be exposed to grade-level material that targets both vocabulary and complex reading comprehension skills such as drawing conclusions, summarizing, and making inferences.
Your generosity makes it possible to meet my students' needs. It is because of Donors like you that my students are having the opportunity to "catch up"! ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ariza