Past projects 4
Building a Thinking Classroom With Whiteboards
Funded May 2, 2023Thank you for your donation of whiteboards to our classroom. These white boards have been a game changer! Our old disposable boards were stained and hard to write on. These new boards allow students to see each others work clearly. Students are excited to work at the boards.
Teaching math on whiteboards has made a huge difference in how my students learn math. They are engaging in conversations over complex problems and building a deeper understanding of math concepts. Students look forward to math and I have seen student participation and engagement increase.
We appreciate your support and kindness. Your donation has made a huge difference and I'm exited to share them not only with this class but many more in the years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tamblyn
New Technology for Science and Math!
Funded Aug 25, 2022Thank you for your donation. With your contribution we were able to purchase the television and stand. We use the TV everyday. Through AirPlay we are able to project images from our document camera and computer directly to the screen. This gives me flexibility in where I teach from in the classroom. Additionally, being able to project images clearly and in focus has made it easier for students to access the material.
We have been able to use the television for subjects such as music, science, and math. We were able to project animal cells on the TV for students to see during our science unit and students could clearly see the details in the different cell types. Students have had fun bringing different things in class for us to see such as a praying mantis and the color of leaves after a heat wave. During music, our music teacher was able to project different music programs onto the screen for students to practice drumming. The TV has also become an indispensable tool for math instruction.
The ability to move the TV around to different places in the room has given us flexibility to combine both 6th grades classes for presentations by guest speakers. We have used the TV for presentations by our middle schools and for shared instruction between both rooms.
Thank you for bringing this technology to our classroom. We appreciate your generosity and support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tamblyn
Help Me Diversify My Classroom Library
Funded Jul 27, 2022Thank you for your generosity. The books we were able to purchase have made a huge impact on our classroom library. This year, I moved from fourth grade to sixth grade and my classroom library moved with me. Moving from fourth grade to sixth grade is a fairly large jump in reading levels. Being able to purchase new books that are leveled to the reading abilities of our sixth graders has been so helpful. Students have more choice and more options for books they can select and that meet their reading needs.
I am particularly excited that the books we purchased offer a diverse set of characters and stories that have grabbed student interest. There is something for everyone - from graphic novels, to contributions to STEM, poetry, stories of perseverance and so much more. Students love the diversity of our library and the characters are ones that students can relate to.
In our classroom library, students have the freedom to check out books whenever they like. They can take them home and bring them back as needed. This allows students unlimited access to books all year. And a day doesn't go by that students aren't in the library perusing books and finding something new to read. Your contribution has made our classroom richer and provided students access to a diverse collection of books. You have made an impact not only this years' students but future classes as well. Thank you for your kindness.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tamblyn
Bringing Common Core to Life Through Film - STEAM Enrichment
Funded Sep 28, 2018Over the last few months, students have been eagerly working on their film project ideas. The promise of being able to film their final product has increased student interest and engagement. Students who struggle to complete assignments on time or work in a group environment have embraced the film project and have produced some of their best work this year.
Students finished their final scripts the week before we left for winter vacation. Each team's script included scenes, dialogue, and specific camera angles. Students used our school computers to view sample movies online and to write in a shared Google document. This collaborative writing, allowed every student to have a say in the final product, take an ownership role over the writing, and learn to work in small groups. Projects include a public service announcement on the impact of plastic in our oceans, a news program on the need to repair our school blacktop, a documentary on our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, a how-to video highlighting how to make a diorama, a documentary on roller derby, and a film disproving silly "life hacks." When students return to school in January, they will begin working in teams to film their projects. Most are excited to use the video camera and to learn to edit their films. Others are excited about using the green screen to create backgrounds that support their storylines.
As a teacher, I am excited about combining writing with technology and the film project is allowing students to bring their stories to life. By seeing their stories on a tv screen, they are developing a stronger understanding of plot, story development, pacing, and tone. And it is happening organically through a high-interest film project that would not have been possible without your support. Thank you for giving this project life.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Tamblyn
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Arts Funder and 12 other donors.