Past projects 2
Well-Equipped: Tools for Self-Advocacy
Funded Aug 6, 2018This project taught so many unexpected things. When the boxes arrived I decided to allow my students the privilege of opening them as a class.
First we guessed individually what was in the larger boxes. Some of the responses were truly priceless. (We have been working hard on asking questions and seeking information as a true skill for life). The boxes presented an authentic opportunity to practice "questioning". I discovered awhile back that many of my students were not naturally inquisitive. So we have been building a bank of questions in the minds of this population of students. They had to be challenged to think outside of the box (which is somewhat metaphoric and literal in this scenario). I let the responses first come out of whatever thought process each student had command of.
Then we began to narrow our information when questions and guessing took on a life of their own. What a wonderful authentic and unplanned teachable moment the arrival of the boxes brought. It could not have gone better even if I had sat down and planned out every detail. The content of the boxes although long awaited and prayed for, took second place to a joy-filled learning experience, unplanned and unedited. I must pause here to express my sincere gratitude. You made this teacher take out time to appreciate the journey and not just the destination. Sometimes we desire so much for our students and for the learning tools that will enhance and/or bring to life a learning objective. The task of gathering materials/tools can take a lot out of a teacher but when you get more lesson than you planned for, what a great journey. Then the destination of tools and materials become just road signs to parts unknown.
We have since their arrival gone on to use the contents of our boxes in many new and unprepared for ways. The dryer has been a calm place to sit in front of for one student. The towels have been a source of self expression in the way one student folds theirs as opposed to another. The detergent has been so efficient and cost effective that we think the amount we asked for and received will exceed the number of loads the manufacturer boasts of and last us throughout this school year. Even with doing laundry almost daily.
Our dolly has made its share of helpful trips on campus. Our washer is quiet and very effective in getting clothes clean and spin dried. The hooks gave us a new level of organization. Our laundry cart has even done some lunch bag carrying duty. Our classroom is moving towards full service life skills. We have just about completed our classroom's initiative of becoming a program second to none offering an array of life skills hands-on learning initiatives. So thank you for opening your hearts and wallets to support this project. You have helped us be well-equipped in ways this teacher did not even imagine! May you continue to support DonorsChoose.org with your generous donations. We hope you will look for our next project and support us again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Harvey
This classroom project was brought to life by The Rebuild Texas Fund and 6 other donors.Hurricane Harvey Survivors!
Funded Dec 11, 2017The iPads donated to our class have allowed the students greater freedom and independence. Because of the touch and mobile features provided by them students with fine and gross motor skill challenges can now assess technology independently. They can move about the classroom freely and safely. Also there are more budding friendship being formed because of the increased opportunities to learn from peers while making a meaningful contribution. The iPads have been loaded with limited assess learning games for different skill and interest levels. We are looking forward to the day when we have the resources to afford full version assess. The technology also helps to give non-verbal students a voice through communication apps. Concepts, places, and events no longer have to remain flat on a page.
The Pepko cases have been an assess to the success and safety of the iPads. Students love using the kickstands.
We are a "planet smart class". We recycle, reduce, and reuse as much as we can. So it goes without saying that we are grateful for the laminator and laminating pouches. We are able to write on, wipe off, and reuse many materials that would otherwise be disposed of. We will never be able to say it enough, thank you.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Harvey
This classroom project was brought to life by Someone who cares about Texas and 4 other donors.