Past projects 4
Safe Spots to Learn and Move
Funded Aug 25, 2020Thank you so much for your donation to the first grade yoga mat project. As we began our year, our classroom setups were changed dramatically. We have many safety protocols that we need to follow to ensure the health and safety of our students remain top priority. Our kids are asked to stay in their safe spaces throughout the day— limiting where they are able to move and learn. The yoga mats have been crucial in providing a space for our kids who need alternatives to sitting at their desks. Throughout the day, students will choose to read, write, do math, and MOVE their bodies on these mats. We thank you so much for helping make the transition back to our new school environment as smooth as possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gonwa
Book Nook: Creating a Cozy Library
Funded Mar 9, 2019WOW!! We finally have our classroom library up and running for the 2019-2020 school year. We just had our "grand opening" and showed the class how the books are organized by theme and by their reading level. Their excitement was contagious! They are SO eager to learn how to become better readers. Each student has their own book bin where they can independently select books by topic of interest or by their individual reading level. They can do this ALL BY THEMSELVES thanks to your generous donations of bookshelves and book bins. Our library is now a warm, cozy place for kids to not only select books--but also to read in. Thanks to the addition of a lamp and comfy carpet, students have lots of places that they can curl up with their books and read. I can't wait to learn more about my readers this year and see how our classroom library impacts their growth and LOVE for reading. A HUGE THANK YOU to YOU! Your kindness has not only impacted this year's group of first graders, but it will continue with each class that enters my room. THANK YOU!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gonwa
Mindfulness Matters: Books and Activities to Support Mindful Kids
Funded May 18, 2018Your generosity has greatly impacted the first graders in my classroom. Using the donated books, students have been able to learn more about self-regulation and compassion for others and themselves. By using these new texts, students have been exposed to new strategies to use when they are trying to get in control of their emotions and feelings. These books have been used as classroom read aloud and have also been used by students individually when they are practicing regulation techniques.
Your donations have also given us games to play each day as we are practicing being mindful. We have been implementing "Mindful Minutes" in our classroom by offering quick brain breaks that allow students to stop, breathe, and get their bodies calm. The activities donated are greatly appreciated and have become quick favorites by our students! THANKS SO MUCH!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gonwa
Mindfulness Matters: Creating a Zen Zone
Funded May 25, 2018Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Your donations to create a classroom Zen Zone have greatly impacted the social and emotional well being of our students. Students now have a calm, safe place to go to regroup and calm down. They also have tools to support their emotional development. I have seen numerous students choosing to take breaks in this area, which has allowed them to self-regulate and then rejoin the group more focused and ready to learn. THANK YOU!
Your donations also have created more comfortable floor seating options for our students. They are able to use these seating options when working collaboratively with partners and small groups. I have seen an improvement in student motivation, as well as their ability to socialize and work collaboratively. Thank you for helping to support the social development of our kids!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gonwa
This classroom project was brought to life by Herb Kohl Philanthropies and 10 other donors.