Past projects 7
Innovation in Education: Where the Teacher Become the Student
Funded Oct 4, 2018Attending the Innovation in Education conference exceeded my expectations! The caliber of the keynote speakers and the content they presented were powerful and progressive for a small town teacher.
One speaker spoke about reaching the emotional needs of students and provided practical ways to implement practices to ensure students didn't fall through the cracks. One idea in particular was having a place where students were able to write anonymously (or with their name) how they felt on a sticky note where the teacher could see it. Another was a check-in wall at the beginning of class where student could show how they felt walking into class. This is significant because students who are hurting, tired, excited....students' feeling effect their learning. Addressing these at the onset of class meets a multiple of needs.
I attended a strand for differentiating instruction. This also exceeded my expectations in both the thoughtfulness of the concepts as well as practical application I was able to take and immediately implement in my classroom.
Upon returning I introduced SeeSaw as a means of responding in my classroom. This allows students to interact with technology in a meaningful way. Students are able to use video to respond which is significant for emerging learners. Others can respond through traditional typing, still others through drawing pictures...
I also learned sites to change the reading level of online material which accommodates all learners as well as ways to reduce the clutter on the screen by eliminating advertisements, and ways to have the material read aloud to students.
Yes, it's taken me a while to say thank you, but please know, I've been gratefully implementing since the moment I returned. When my new school year began I had a jump start at meeting students' needs.
This conference was a game-changer for me- and my students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
The Hand-Mind Connection Through Snap Circuits
Funded Aug 19, 2018We introduced circuitry through Snap Circuits and the kids went WILD!!!! With a mild introduction to the concepts we turned the students loose to explore without putting limitations on their experience.
The "ahas" and excitement were absolutely contagious! EVERY students was engaged, growing and learning! We then had students follow some "recipes" for building specific circuitry and they were amazed at what they were able to create!
We knew they would benefit and grow but the electricity in the room, the drive to explore and learn more was overwhelming! We're excited to incorporate this into our regualr STEM learning activities!
Thank you for supporting us!
Julie Holly”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 2 other donors.Tablets for Robotics Students!
Funded Aug 16, 2018Thank you for your generous contribution to my tablet project! These tablets have been instrumental in teaching Lego robotics to second grade students at my school as well as for aiding our brand new robotics elementary First Lego League robotics team! This is my third year incorporating robotics into my classroom and grade-level and students are learning faster than ever! They're not merely having fun with technology, they're learning problem solving, following directions and cooperating with others. Your gift is energy to light the bulb of curiosity for these little learners!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 2 other donors.Tablets for Robotic Enthusiasts!
Funded Jul 5, 2018Thank you for your generous contribution to my tablet project! These tablets have been instrumental in teaching Lego robotics to second grade students at my school as well as for aiding our brand new robotics elementary First Lego League robotics team! This is my third year incorporating robotics into my classroom and grade-level and students are learning faster than ever! They're not merely having fun with technology, they're learning problem solving, following directions and cooperating with others. Your gift is energy to light the bulb of curiosity for these little learners!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon.Learning Makes Sense (Incorporating the Senses for Strategic Learning)
Funded Aug 19, 2018Thank you for believing in a project that likely looked superficial on the surface.
This project has a direct moment-to-moment impact in my classroom! it pays rich dividends DAILY!
Students are engaged and responsive to the music (as I anticipated). Music is how we move about in our classroom and a subtle way to manage the energy level. Subconsciously students know when it's time to buckle down and concentrate and when it's time to discuss learning with peers.
Not only does our classroom smell delightful the essential oils are calming and soothing.
Thank you for making a direct impact on our classroom! Happy teacher and happy students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 2 other donors.Growth Mindset: Preparing Today's Learners for Tomorrow's World
Funded Aug 14, 2018Contributing to my Growth Mindset project is already paying dividends in these lives! We launched our school year redefining "failure" and constructing a strong mindset towards perseverance, kindness towards others as well as ourselves (because sometimes we're not nice to ourselves).
Our guidance counselor and I partnered when we opened our geodes. Students were amazed at the beauty inside. This created a tangible artifact for students to remember to look for the beauty within.
Every story I read created a platform to refer back to. Not only were the practical tales fun and entertaining, they became centerpieces of conversation.
Thank you for contributing to my Growth Mindset project and literally changing the mindset of little lives!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 3 other donors.Meaningful Magnets!
Funded Aug 11, 2018When I introduced the new magnet tools my students were wide-eyed! Already curious and creative, they were thrilled to see a new way to explore the world around them! Instantly they dove into exploration mode!
Our physical science unit is coming up. Because students have already been introduced to the tools, they're primed for learning and absorbing the details regarding the properties. Additionally, they're excited to learn the how and why about magnets!
An extra bonus, the magnet tools are a great extension while students might otherwise be cooped up on rainy or too-cold-to-go-outside days. Students have enjoyed using the variety of magnets to unlock their creativity! Thank you for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Holly
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 3 other donors.