Past projects 8
Reading Is Lit!
Funded Aug 2, 2023I wish you could have seen the expressions on the faces of my students when I explained how I was able to provide them with the construction paper and reading activities. Their eyes bulged even larger when I told them you all are from Houston and had donated to my classroom more than once. They are extremely appreciative of your kindness and eager to use the materials.
After I introduce concepts to the students and they become more independent, they use the reading and file folder games to reinforce their learning when working independently or in workstations with a small group. They are engaged in the games, not only because they are fun to play and they feel successful, but also because they know they were blessed by your thoughtfulness.
We are so thankful for your donation.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Just the Basics, Please!
Funded Aug 31, 2022I am incredibly grateful for your support. Since receiving the copy paper, cardstock, laminator, laminating pouches, and other materials necessary for me to run my class successfully, it has made a tremendous difference in how I deliver instruction and plan reinforcement lessons and activities.
My students were surprised when I told them I had created a project requesting supplies to help make sure we had everything we needed for a successful school year. They were equally shocked to learn that there are people, such as you, who are generous and concerned about their education as well. When we received the packages, their smiles lit up the room.
I currently teach thirty-five students, and I am challenged with making sure they are engaged one hundred percent at all times. The comprehension cubes will be used during both whole group and small group instruction to encourage participation and practice reading skills. Students will also be able to use the cubes in cooperative learning groups. Just as importantly, the laminator, pouches, copy paper, storage bags, and cardstock will be used to create task cards and workstation activities that will reinforce reading skills while keeping students engaged. It brings me joy to see my students' enthusiasm when learning, and it brings me joy to know there are people in the world like you who support educators and the things we are trying to accomplish in the classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
Reading Makes Us Smile
Funded Jun 21, 2022Many of my students enter fourth grade reading below grade level and with very little interest in reading. By providing a literature rich environment and sharing my love of reading, I am able to express the importance of not only reading to learn, but reading simply to enjoy a good book. Would you believe that fourth graders still love having books read to them? By starting the novels as a read aloud to grab their attention, it is then easier to teach the necessary skills. Many times they don't even know they're learning! Thank you so much for making this possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 4 other donors.Books, Books, Books (and Basic Classroom Supplies)
Funded Aug 14, 2021Words cannot express how thankful I am for your support. Since receiving the high-interest books, dry erase clipboards, and other materials necessary for me to run my class successfully, it has made a tremendous difference in how I deliver instruction and plan reinforcement lessons and activities.
The students are always eager to work with the dry erase clipboards. They eagerly write their responses and share them with the class when prompted. Amazingly, even those who are normally reluctant to participate are actively engaged in all lessons when using the clipboards to show their work.
Additionally, since I now have more literature in the classroom that many students can relate to, not only are the struggling students reading more and building their skills, but the average and gifted students are receiving enrichment. We will continue to explore the books and engage in meaningful discussions throughout the year. It brings me joy to see the students' enthusiasm, and it brings me joy to know there are people in the world like you who support educators and the things we are trying to accomplish in the classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 7 other donors.Chromebooks for All to Enhance Reading
Funded Dec 14, 2019Your donations have made a difference in my classroom in more ways than one. First of all, my school district has purchased research-based programs that support student growth in reading. Therefore, in addition to the reading instruction provided by me, the reading intervention teacher, and the Literacy Lab instructor, students get additional reinforcement when they utilize the digital resources on the Chromebooks. After an initial assessment, the learning activities are individualized. Students are eager to see their progress and set personal goals.
Secondly, the most exciting thing about the product for the students is that now they don't have to wait so long to use a computer! The addition of two Chromebooks makes a world of difference! Students that only accessed the class computer once a week can now go at least twice a week, thanks to all of you!
Last, but not least, of the two classes that I teach, I believe the second group appreciates the Chromebooks the most. Most of the students are English learners, and they know they are having difficulty reading and comprehending, so they cherish every moment of computer time they get. Not only do they use the computers during class, but several students ask to use them during recess or dismissal while they wait for their rides.
Because of your kindness and generosity, my students are able to have additional time working on their reading skills using the district's resources. We appreciate you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 8 other donors.Eager to Read and Write: Technology in the Literacy Classroom
Funded Oct 31, 2018The addition of laptops has increased the number of students who were able to access the digital resources as well as the time spent using the resources. Now, ALL students have been able to practice their reading skills and prepare for their upcoming progress monitoring and benchmark assessments. I am now able to ensure that all students access the resources several times a week for at least 30 minutes each session.
The novels, The Mighty Miss Malone and Wonder, and the biography, Tick Tock Banneker's Clock, will promote reading for enjoyment and information, as well as be used to integrate social studies and science into the English Language Arts curriculum, especially during Black History Month. The students anxiously await reading the books.
It is my belief that with the addition of the Chromebooks, novels, and literacy games, my students have been more eager to learn and more engaged in the learning. Their comprehension and writing skills are improving, as noted on the Middle-of-the-Year Benchmarks.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron Fuel Your School and one other donor.Technology: It's Not Just for Math and Science. Let's Write!
Funded Sep 23, 2018Words cannot express how thankful I am for your support. I currently teach a total of 40 students, and each student is expected to utilize several programs provided by the district for at least 20 minutes each day. Unfortunately, not all students have Internet access at home, or supervised use of the digital resources is not enforced at home. Since receiving the Chromebooks, I have gone from a four-computer classroom to a six-computer classroom, and it has made a difference. Just adding 2 additional computers has ensured that at least 10 more students are able to rotate to the computer station throughout the day. Once there, they work on enhancing their writing skills with programs like Storybird, and they build their reading skills utilizing such district resources as Imagine Literacy, MyOn, and Kids A-Z.
The students are always eager to go to the computer station. They quickly choose to work on the sleek, modern Chromebooks over the desktop computers. Amazingly, even during dismissal as car riders wait for their names to be called, students excitedly ask if they can work on the computer while they wait.
All of my students gladly use the Chromebooks and desktops. Since I have more technology in the classroom now, not only are the struggling students building their skills, but the average and gifted students are receiving enrichment. It brings me joy to see their enthusiasm, and it brings me joy to know there are people in the world like you who support educators and the things we are trying to accomplish in the classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett
This classroom project was brought to life by The Rebuild Texas Fund and 7 other donors.Nothing Will Keep Us From Reading!
Funded Mar 2, 2018Thank you so much for helping me to spread my love of reading to my students. When they first entered my classroom, many of them thought of reading as a chore, but now they read for enjoyment! They were so excited when we received our order of Wonder and couldn't wait to read it!
I began using the book as a read-aloud to grab their attention and to focus on such reading skills as characters feelings and emotions and making inferences. I also used the book to help build our class community. I wanted students to understand that we are all unique, but we are all special and have something important to offer our families, school community, and society. Eventually, students continued reading the book either independently or in their reading groups.
Although all the students were thoroughly engaged with Wonder, I believe that it had a profound impact on those students with low self-esteem and a couple that were known to bully others. Often times, students tend to forget school rules and misbehave more towards the end of the school year, but I believe I had a smooth ending of the school year due to our book study on Wonder. Once again, I appreciate your support!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bennett