Mr. Garnier's Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 6

• Classroom Printing Offers Students a World of Colorful Opportunities

  Funded Oct 1, 2021

  In many schools, teachers and students have access to a variety of technology, with the ability to print up documents, pictures, and other materials related to class projects and activities. This will be the end of my eighth year teaching ELA to middle school students, and I have finally received a full class set of Chromebooks for my students to use on a consistent basis. I also envisioned a way for students to print materials for personal projects as well as classroom activities. The color printer that you helped to provide to my students has given them the independence that they often lack outside of school, where many of them do not have computers or the ability to print anything they create including essays, project materials, etc. Students utilized the printer to deliver their personal projects, including the final narrative writing task related to our unit on historical fiction.

  The most exciting aspect of having the printer in the room has been watching students explore their creative side while planning out their projects, and seeing students collaborate on the creation of classroom activities. Earlier in the year we had put together a station activity while preparing students for the ELA state test. These activities were meant to assist students struggling with various aspects of test taking - finding the main idea, understanding author's purpose, analyzing non-fiction texts, etc. Students chose the area they wanted to work on, and we put together task cards related to those areas of need. I had a small group of students help me develop the cards, print them out in color on the printer, laminate them and cut them out. Students in all three of my classes then took time each week to review the task cards with their groups.

  Some students have been so helpful creating and printing materials to be used for whole-class activities that they were designated printer monitors, making sure that the printer is always stocked with paper, and that it is being used properly by their classmates. They even volunteered to help create and print new task cards. Furthermore, the printer has significantly cut down the number of projects and essays that I've had to print at home. Students can now save their work to a flash drive, or to Google Drive and simply access their account in class and send it to the new printer for printing. It has been a HUGE success so far and my students loved the fact that they had more control over what they were able to create and the ease in which they could get it into their hands. I look forward to developing more ways to incorporate the printer into our weekly routines. Thank you again for your generosity, none of this would have been possible without your help!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garnier

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 6 other donors.

• Sticky Supplies Strengthen Student Skills

  Funded Aug 25, 2019

  On behalf of my students and I, we want to thank you all again for your generous donations toward our project. These supplies are being put to great use as the students work to hone their close reading skills and put their collaborative discussion skills to the test on a regular basis. One thing that students have been working hard on is taking their thinking to the next level. All of them can mark up a text with highlights, but those highlights mean nothing unless the student can speak to WHY the thinks they are noticing are SIGNIFICANT. This is where the Post-It's come in. Students are still instructed to use highlighters as part of the annotation process. It's engaging, and it helps me conduct formative assessments during class. The Post-It's, however, are essential for allowing students to quickly jot down their thoughts about conflict, theme, setting, character development, etc. It's also nicer than always having to fill out a graphic organizer, or take notes in a notebook. The Post-It's allow students to leave their thinking inside their text for quick reference. They can also refer to their notes during group work, or if their group is presenting they can use their Post-It's as an exit slip, placing them onto the designated "parking lot" at the end of the period. It's a great way to take relevant, actionable notes on a specific topic. Furthermore, the sticky chart paper has been a blessing when it comes to collaborative discussion. Students love to get out of their seat and interact with the chart paper stations throughout the room. I used to have to tape chart paper onto the blinds, but the sticky paper work so much BETTER because it actually stays up, unlike my tape. Here, as students prepare their notes on a topic, they can place them on the chart paper. In the pictures I posted for this project, students were having a class discussion on the 7 strategies of an efficient reader. They had to identify certain "signposts" throughout the text, and jot down their thoughts on the Post-It. Once they collected a variety of thoughts, they discussed which literary element their "signposts" should be categorized under. Once they made their decision, they met with others who chose the same element and began their discussion, comparing their findings and offering their opinions as to which examples best fit the description. These are the types of activities that we do on a regular basis, and the engagement level is light years beyond what we've done in the past, having students sit at their seat and jot notes in their notebook. Post-It's, sticky chart paper, highlighters, etc., allow students to take what could be somewhat mundane activities and turn them into fun meet-and-greets in which students are much more independent. Their end-of-unit theme essays also benefited from the collection of relevant details, and by having students elaborate on these details by stating the significance.

  When students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited because they ALWAYS want to get out of their seats to discuss the text. We can't always do this, but we try to make it a point as often as possible. Students know that when the Post-It's are out, they'll have quite a bit of freedom to think about the text and record their thoughts to share out. We use a variety of protocols in order to keep it fresh. Students also love to use highlighters (although that's still something students are trying to improve - highlighting with PURPOSE), and many students find creative ways to categorize their markings based on topic/relevance, etc. So again, it's an understatement to say that they were thrilled to receive these materials.

  In terms of next steps, students will be working toward being even more independent when it comes to demonstrating a deeper level of thinking while analyzing a text. They will be using the same note taking/annotation strategies (using Post-its, highlighters, etc.), but I will encourage students to SYNTHESIZE information more frequently in order to uncover an even deeper meaning behind what a character might say/think/do, etc.). Students will also be engaging in various levels of test prep as we approach the state assessments early next year. These materials will be put to use as we prepare the students to answer challenging questions, and construct written responses to a variety of topics. I would also like students to use the Post-It's as a good LISTENING strategy, jotting down their peers' thoughts and finding the significance in what others have to say about a topic.

  Thank you again for your generosity, and for taking the time to donate to our project. We couldn't do it without you, and we are extremely proud and fortunate to have donors like you who give their time to help our students reach their goals. It is VERY much appreciated.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garnier

• Colorful Copies Create A Capable And Coordinated Classroom!

  Funded Mar 25, 2019

  Thank you again for your generous contributions to our classroom! The resources you have helped to provide have benefited the students from day one, and we continue to incorporate the materials on a weekly basis. The colored paper was used almost immediately to help students set up their ELA binders. As you can see in the pictures, reference materials are color-coded, which helps students differentiate the handouts they will need throughout the entire unit (or even the entire year) from the more temporary handouts that are printed using white copy paper. It may seem like a small adjustment, but students pay much closer attention to the colored copies they receive, and so far not one student has told me they've lost a reference item (which, honestly, is amazing). The color coded reference materials have helped keep students organized while they work to complete many of our classroom tasks and assignments. Unit vocabulary materials will always be printed in red. Literary analysis strategies (such as Notice & Note signposts) will always be printed in blue. Writing strategies, like effectively citing text evidence, will always be printed in lavender, etc. Rather than search through literally 50 sheets of white paper, students are much more at ease knowing that they can easily flip to red if they need to reference their vocabulary materials. Furthermore, students have already incorporated colored card stock to create their vocabulary map projects and they look amazing!

  When students first saw the materials, they were excited because they had already done some binder setup, and they were aware that we would be using colored paper to color-code many of the handouts they would receive. It was the last piece to their binder puzzle, so to speak, and they couldn't wait to see what colors they'd get. The binder is essentially the ultimate personalized resource gathering device, and students love to "build" it using materials copied on bright, colorful, "eye-popping" paper.

  As we progress through the current unit and beyond, students will continue to organize their materials by color, and they will know exactly where to find study materials, as well as quick reference materials for classwork/homework assignments. We will also be working on a handful of creative projects, such as character trading cards, a set design activity focused on setting, as well as a public speaking project requiring some independent research. Each of these projects will include a visual component that will now be enhanced by the use of the Astrobright colored paper and card stock, or the more subtle pastel paper, depending on the project and what the students envision. These materials will help to make these assignments more engaging and will also help their projects come alive as the students present them to their classmates. We've already seen the ways in which these materials have made a huge impact on our classroom, and we can't wait to see how our students grow as they continue to benefit from them throughout the school year. Again, from myself and my students, we want to thank you for your generous donation to our classroom community.”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garnier

• Learning Lasts Longer When Laminated!

  Funded Mar 15, 2019

  In many schools, teachers and students have access to a variety of technology, with laptops for every student and the ability to print up documents, pictures, and other materials related to class projects and activities. This will be the end of my fifth year teaching ELA to middle school students, and I have never previously had computers or a printer in my room. After finally receiving a handful of Chromebooks, as well as a donated printer, I envisioned a way for students to help develop some of the materials that would be seen throughout the room, that could be used to reference the things they were learning on a daily basis, and be durable enough to last an entire school year and beyond. The laminating machine that you helped to provide to my students has helped them create engaging (and long lasting) group activities, some very cool posters, and reference charts that probably would not have been possible before due to their lack of durability. The things we've created since receiving the laminating machine will last for a LONG time.

  The most exciting aspect of having the printer in the room has been watching students explore their creative side while planning out the things they'd like to see around the room, and seeing students collaborate on the creation of classroom activities. Recently we had put together a station activity while preparing students for the ELA state test. These activities were meant to assist students struggling with various aspects of test taking - finding the main idea, understanding author's purpose, analyzing non-fiction texts, etc. Students chose the area they wanted to work on, and we put together task cards related to those areas of need. I had a small group of students help me develop the cards, print them out in color on the printer, laminate them and cut them out. Students in all three of my classes then took time each week to review the task cards with their groups. Furthermore, some of my students found a set of Notice & Note "Signpost" reference charts that we were able to cut out and laminate for the room have been a huge success. Students have used these charts constantly during class discussion about our most recent book Chains, by Laurie Halse Anderson, and the laminator has made the colors pop. This has given them a professional look that the students were amazed by, and they are proud to say that they had a hand in it!

  Three of my students have been so helpful creating and printing materials to be used for whole-class activities that they have been designated printer/laminating machine monitors, making sure that the laminator is being used properly by their classmates. They have asked to come in during their lunch period every Wednesday and Friday to help create and laminate reference posters for the room, and new task cards for our small group activities. It has been a HUGE success so far. My students are loving the fact that they have more control over the learning process, and the ease in which these things can be created. I look forward to developing more ways to incorporate the laminator into our weekly routines. Thank you again for your generosity, none of this would have been possible without your help!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garnier

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 6 other donors.

• Classroom Printing Offers Students a World of Colorful Possibilities

  Funded Mar 1, 2019

  In many schools, teachers and students have access to a variety of technology, with the ability to print up documents, pictures, and other materials related to class projects and activities. This will be the end of my fifth year teaching ELA to middle school students, and I have never had computers or a printer in my room. After finally receiving a handful of Chromebooks, I envisioned a way for students to print materials for personal projects as well as classroom activities. The color printer that you helped to provide to my students has given them the independence that they often lack outside of school, where many of them do not have computers or the ability to print anything they create including essays, project materials, etc. Students have already begun utilizing the printer to deliver their personal projects, including the final narrative writing task related to our most current unit on historical fiction. Students were even awarded extra credit for creating a cover page for their narrative, which you can see in one of the pictures.

  The most exciting aspect of having the printer in the room has been watching students explore their creative side while planning out their projects, and seeing students collaborate on the creation of classroom activities. Recently we had put together a station activity while preparing students for the ELA state test. These activities were meant to assist students struggling with various aspects of test taking - finding the main idea, understanding author's purpose, analyzing non-fiction texts, etc. Students chose the area they wanted to work on, and we put together task cards related to those areas of need. I had a small group of students help me develop the cards, print them out in color on the printer, laminate them and cut them out. Students in all three of my classes then took time each week to review the task cards with their groups.

  Three of my students have been so helpful creating and printing materials to be used for whole-class activities that they have been designated printer monitors, making sure that the printer is always stocked with paper, and that it is being used properly by their classmates. They have asked to come in during their lunch period every Wednesday and Friday to help create and print new task cards. Furthermore, the printer has significantly cut down the number of projects and essays that I've had to print at home. Students can now save their work to a flash drive, or to Google Drive and simply access their account in class and send it to the new printer for printing. It has been a HUGE success so far and my students are loving the fact that they have more control over what they are able to create and the ease in which they can get it into their hands. I look forward to developing more ways to incorporate the printer into our weekly routines. Thank you again for your generosity, none of this would have been possible without your help!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garnier

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 10 other donors.

• Planning for Success!

  Funded Aug 15, 2018

  For most of my students, who struggle to find a quiet place to do their schoolwork at home and who generally do not have enough organizational skills, the materials that you helped us acquire have made a world of difference. These items have been used by the students in a variety of ways, but all have helped to keep their backpacks, and their thoughts, well organized. For example, each student received one of the pocket notebooks, and they take them out each day to write down their assignments or add to their "to do" lists. Some of them have been amazed at what a difference it makes to actually write down their homework, and how nice it feels "to not have to remember everything." Their current unit involves a focus on theme in the book A Long Walk to Water, and they have been using many of the donated items to help during the writing process. The loose-leaf paper has been used to take notes regarding students' analysis of the text, as well as gather evidence on possible themes for use in discussion with peers. Highlighters are used daily to note various literary devices within the text. They are also used while writing, as students conduct self and peer-assessments by making sure that the RACE protocol is followed for body paragraphs. Each component of RACE is highlighted in a different color. If something is missing it is easily identified. This is a great way for students to make corrections moving forward, and to show they understand the protocol.

  When students first saw the materials, they were extremely excited! In the past, 6th graders used to be given planners. 7th and 8th graders were not. Now, none of the grades are provided with planners. As a 7th grade teacher, I watch every year as students underestimate the importance of planners, and most are unable to purchase a lot of materials on their own. Because of these factors, the students were VERY grateful to get their own notebooks for organization. Almost immediately, many of them began to personalize their notebook with drawings, sketches, their names, etc. It has also helped many of them feel a bit more professional in their approach to school. They receive a bit of a confidence boost knowing exactly what needs to be done once they get home.

  Students will soon be starting their second unit of study, an argumentative unit with a focus on whether or not fast food should be served in schools. Their final project will be an argument essay, but they will also be conducting a variety of debates surrounding the many topics/perspectives involved with this issue. Because we will be analyzing a variety of non-fiction articles, students really need to keep their thoughts and their backpacks organized. In the past, it has been easy for backpacks to become riddled with paper, and other ELA materials get lost in the abyss. Now, students have their own folders to house their argument materials, and the highlighters, post-its, and loose-leaf paper will continue to allow students to organize their thoughts as they read.

  My students and I cannot thank you enough for the tremendous gift you have given us. These kids are not given a whole lot, so when they do receive something that students in other schools might take for granted, they truly appreciate it. It's been a joy to watch them use these materials in a productive way, and this will no doubt help them significantly as they move forward with their academic careers. Thank you again from us all!”

  With gratitude,

  Mr. Garnier

  This classroom project was brought to life by News Corp and 5 other donors.