Mrs. Dewey's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 57

• Hydration Helps Brains

  Funded Jan 29, 2025

  As the weather warms, our class set of water bottles help us transition quickly to our lessons. Gone are the days of standing in long lines to get a drink on a student supervised timer ("Three, two, one. Your done!"). Now we come in directly to the storage cubes, pull out our water bottles, drink, and return to our learning!

  I know that brain work needs proper hydration for best performance. These 32 oz water bottles for each student allows them a much needed hydration stop and provides me with a rapid and simultaneous health break. We move on to our comprehension lesson after some fresh air, movement and hydration have primed our brains to learn. Thank you for providing a generous gift that yields great benefit!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

• Fun With Phonics!

  Funded Dec 4, 2024

  The Science of Reading has pointed to phonics as a crucial skill to build decoding and reading skills in children. It is even more significant in the struggling reader. Explicit systematic phonics instruction creates understanding of sound symbol correspondence that is needed to decode words. Rarely can these rules be mastered in a one-and-done exposure, rather repetition and review are required to until fluency emerges after a lot of work. Some students are slow to internalize the sounds, making phonics lessons difficult and for others they pick it up quickly and it becomes easy; too easy.

  Keeping students engaged and focused during phonics lessons is an on-going obstacle. Our wellness room staff hear repeated complaints about phonics from bored students. Needing to keep students focused, I am looking for various ways to grab their attention. Our project using the microphone and sound system gives students an incentive to complete their word construction and syllable mapping so they can use the "echo" setting on the microphone to share their work. We love the added excitement of the amplified sound and students clamor for a chance to participate. (Mission accomplished!)”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.

• Organization and Clean Air

  Funded Jun 3, 2024

  I want to express my sincere gratitude for your generous contribution of the Super Stacker crayon boxes to our classroom.

  As any teacher knows, the sight of scattered crayons is all too familiar. With 24 students, each equipped with 24 crayons, it quickly adds up to a staggering 576 crayons that can easily end up misplaced, broken, or lost without proper containment. The Super Stacker crayon boxes are the perfect solution to this common classroom challenge.

  These boxes are brilliantly designed to securely hold 24 crayons, ensuring that they stay intact and organized. Their compact size allows them to fit neatly into desk trays, creating an efficient storage system that even our eight-year-olds can manage with ease. By using these crayon boxes, our students can now save time and avoid the frustration of dealing with torn or broken crayon packages, allowing them to focus more on their learning.

  Beyond the practical benefits, these crayon boxes also support the creative and organizational aspects of our classroom. Students can now use colors more effectively, assigning different meanings to track their understanding of lessons. For example, green might signify "I got it," while yellow could indicate "I'm not sure." This color-coded system extends to writing activities as well, where students can use specific colors for various components, such as blue for topic and conclusion sentences, and green for evidence-based sentences. This not only enhances their academic work but also adds a layer of creativity to their learning experience.

  Thank you once again for providing such a valuable resource. Your support has made a significant difference in our classroom, helping to create a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable learning environment for our students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and 4 other donors.

• Needing Marie Kondo to Master our Fraction Strip Chaos!

  Funded May 6, 2024

  I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your support in providing the much-needed Super Stacker storage boxes.

  Our current fraction strip storage system has been in desperate need of a makeover. With 30 sets of fraction strips, each consisting of 88 pieces stored in Ziplock baggies, our storage situation was nearing chaos. The constant need to resort these materials was not only time-consuming but also detracted from the joy of learning that I strive to cultivate in my classroom. Thanks to your generosity, we now have a storage solution that is both aesthetic and effective.

  These Super Stacker storage boxes are exactly what we needed to organize our fraction strips efficiently. Implementing this system will save us valuable time and reduce the frustration that often comes with managing so many small pieces. More importantly, it will allow me to focus on engaging students in meaningful fraction activities, ensuring that our learning environment is both productive and enjoyable.

  Thank you once again for your generous contribution. Your support has made a significant impact on our classroom, and I am incredibly grateful. Our students will benefit greatly from this enhanced learning experience, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes that will result from this improved organization.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 2 other donors.

• Concrete Mastery of Fractions

  Funded May 6, 2024

  Thank you for A Sweet Lesson in Mathematics!

  Mastering the conceptual understanding of the denominator is crucial for success in mathematics. When students grasp the concept of the denominator, they gain the ability to manipulate fraction comparisons and equivalent fractions with ease. Understanding how fractions work opens up a world of possibilities in solving complex mathematical problems.

  One effective way to teach students about fractions is through concrete examples using everyday objects. Among the various examples available, Hershey bars stand out as a captivating tool for learning fractions. By using Hershey bars, students can visually see and understand concepts like one-half, one-third, one-fourth, or one-sixth. The chocolate bars provide a tangible representation of fractions, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

  I want to express my gratitude to our generous donors who have made it possible for me to incorporate Hershey bars into my teaching methods. Your donations will allow me to capture my students' attention and create a learning environment that reinforces the idea of equal parts and denominators simultaneously. By using Hershey bars as a teaching tool, I can help students not only understand fractions better but also develop a strong foundation in mathematics that will benefit them in their academic journey.

  In conclusion, mastering the denominator is a fundamental aspect of learning mathematics, and using creative teaching methods like Hershey bars can make the learning process more enjoyable and effective. I am truly thankful to our donors for their support in providing resources that enhance the educational experience for my students. With your help, I can continue to inspire and empower students to excel in mathematics and beyond.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 2 other donors.

• "Do You Have the 'I Survived' Book Series?"

  Funded Nov 29, 2023

  I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your generous contributions to our class library project. Your support has made it possible for us to provide our students with a wide range of books that will enhance their learning experience.

  Thanks to your donations, we were able to recieve the "I Survives" series of books immediately. These books, with their gripping stories of survival, will captivate our students and ignite their love for reading. Additionally, your generosity has allowed us to acquire on-level and above-level series that provide real-life experiences. These books will not only expand their knowledge but also help them develop empathy and understanding for others.

  Your commitment to education and the well-being of our students is truly commendable. We are incredibly grateful for your support and believe that your contributions will have a lasting impact on our students' educational journey. Once again, thank you for your generosity. We are honored to have you as donors and appreciate the difference you are making in the lives of our students.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.

• Binder Bonaza!

  Funded Nov 18, 2023

  I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your generous contributions. Thanks to your support, we have been able to acquire a set of valuable binders for our students.

  We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have these binders as they have greatly enhanced the learning experience of our students. The funds provided were utilized to purchase a data notebook that is now an integral part of our daily classroom activities.

  The data notebook serves as a tool for our students to increase their metacognition. It encourages them to reflect on their learning and think about their thinking. By using the notebook, students are able to gain insights into their own knowledge and understanding. It has proven to be particularly effective in various areas such as math exit tickets, unit tests, reading comprehension scores, as well as reading foundational skills like accuracy and fluency.

  Once again, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support. Your contribution has made a significant difference in the education of our students, and we are truly grateful.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors & Young Sheldon on CBS and 5 other donors.

• Comfy Reading Chairs

  Funded Sep 6, 2023

  One of the key elements of our Comfy Chair Oasis is the new comfortable seating we've introduced. We understand the importance of providing a conducive learning environment, and these cozy chairs have truly transformed our classroom. The students absolutely love them! The Big Joe chair is carefully designed to offer maximum comfort, ensuring that our students can fully immerse themselves in their reading experience.

  What makes the Comfy Chair Oasis even more special is that we rotate the seating arrangement regularly. This way, every student gets a turn to enjoy the comfort and benefits of the new chairs. Not only does this prevent any feelings of envy or unfairness, but it also promotes a sense of community and sharing among our students. They look forward to their turn, eagerly waiting for their chance to experience the joy of sitting in the cozy chairs.

  The impact of the Comfy Chair Oasis goes beyond mere physical comfort. By providing a comfortable reading space for our students, reading has become the highlight of each day. The cozy chairs create a cozy and inviting atmosphere that encourages a love for books and learning. Our students are more engaged and enthusiastic about reading, which has had a positive effect on their overall academic performance and confidence. It's truly remarkable to witness their growth and development in such a nurturing environment.

  We want to express our deepest gratitude for your contribution to our classroom. Your support has made a significant difference in the lives of our students. The Comfy Chair Oasis has not only enhanced their learning experience but has also instilled a sense of appreciation and gratitude in them. They understand the value of generosity and the power of giving, thanks to your incredible kindness.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 4 other donors.

• Discern the Meaning of Denominator!

  Funded Jul 13, 2023

  Hello, generous donors who made our supplies possible! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support in helping my class get access to hands-on fraction practice. Your contributions will make a significant impact on their learning journey, and we are thrilled to share the positive outcomes with you.

  In our classroom, we firmly believe that using true-to-life concrete examples of fractions is the key to facilitating a deep conceptual understanding. We have found that by tapping into the portion sizes of favorite treats, every child can relate and engage in fraction learning with enthusiasm.

  Imagine a child holding a delicious chocolate bar. They are well aware of the portion sizes and instinctively know which piece is the largest. It is in this simple act of choosing the largest piece that the foundation of fraction understanding is built. By relating fractions to real-life situations, we can bridge the gap between abstract concepts and practical application.

  When students are actively involved in hands-on fraction practice, they can visualize and manipulate fractions with ease. Whether it is dividing a pizza into equal slices or sharing a cake among friends, these activities provide tangible experiences that solidify their comprehension. By engaging their senses and incorporating real-life scenarios, we empower our students to develop a deep and intuitive understanding of fractions.

  Furthermore, hands-on fraction practice fosters collaboration and communication among our students. Working together to solve fraction problems and share their findings not only enhances their mathematical skills but also improves their social and cognitive development. It is truly a win-win situation!

  Once again, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity. Your contributions will make a lasting impact on our students' education, and we are grateful for the opportunity to provide them with hands-on fraction practice. Together, we are nurturing a generation of confident and capable learners.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Dewey