Past projects 4
Graphic Novels for the Win
Funded May 1, 2020Getting students to pick up a book on their own can be challenging when your classroom library is full of older books that don't interest the students. When I opened up the boxes and was finally able to show some of the students the amazing books that were donated, they were overjoyed. They literally shouted with joy. The students could not wait to get their hands on one of the new graphic novels and series books.
Our classroom looks very different this year. We spend a majority of time online because we are doing a hybrid model. Towards the end of the day you will see students shutting their computers, pulling out the books, and simply reading on their own. This donation has brought the joy and love for reading back into the classroom and back into the hearts of my students and for that I am so grateful. This gift will keep on giving for years to come.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Alvarez
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 7 other donors.Teach Your Heart Out PD
Funded Oct 17, 2019Due to the pandemic I was unable to attend the conference, however, I was given the opportunity to use the funds to purchase amazing Kleenslate white boards, markers, and erasers for my students. These materials are not the regular classroom white boards I grew up with. They are bright and colorful, they have a handle for the students to hold up and show the answer, the marker and cloth attach to the board. This is a game changer in my classroom. During the pandemic, it has been challenging engaging all learners and bringing fun back into the classroom. These materials have changed that. Part of the students came back to in person learning in April and when they saw the whiteboards on their desks, they were so excited! The students have been more engaged, they like being able to share their ideas without being put on the spot, they get instant feedback from me, and I get great informative assessment data from them. It is a great opportunity to give all students a voice and a chance to share at their skill level. Thank you for encouraging my students and I to continue to learn and grow through this difficult time. Your donations truly mean the world. I cannot wait to continue using these materials year after year.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Alvarez
This classroom project was brought to life by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.Fluency Fun!
Funded Sep 28, 2019Thank you so much for helping my students improve on their fluency skills. Receiving the package was exciting and mysterious. The students loved opening up the box and seeing the goodies inside. They have already begun their journey of improving their reading fluency. This skill is such an important skill to have, especially in the 5th grade. The students are getting to practice this skill by reading high interest, bright, vibrant texts that we didn't have before.
We started using these materials and the class is engaged and excited to learn. When I passed out the scripts they were immediately looking over the story, choosing parts, and even figuring out how they would act out the parts with their teammates. This is not only helping with their fluency, but also with their collaboration. You can hear students root for each other and cheer when they are successful. The timed fluency tests have been so much fun. The students enjoy seeing where they are at in their fluency and then work towards getting better each time. We are going to be setting goals that we can track throughout the year.
The students are wanting to practice their fluency all the time. They want to read all of the scripts and passages. It is so wonderful to see that I wish I had these materials years ago. This is definitely a game changer in my classroom and I can't wait to see the students continue to grow throughout the year and beyond!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Alvarez
Flexible Seating to Help us Learn!
Funded Apr 3, 2019The students walked into the room to see our boxes of goodies and they were so excited. We opened up the boxes and they couldn't wait to start using the resources. They cheered and clapped and talked about how they were going to make use of the materials.
When you walk into our classroom, you will see students sitting at various places in the room. We have students sitting in the floor seats and using the lap trays. When we get ready to begin our lesson, the students find the seat that works best for them and get set up to learn. I am seeing them engaged and excited to learn.
We continue to learn and grow each day. The students are figuring our how they learn best and using that knowledge to help them learn. This has been such an eye opener for me as well as them. I don't have to make seating charts because the students are being held accountable for their own seating choices and their own learning. Thank you so much for this opportunity to help us grow and glow!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Alvarez
This classroom project was brought to life by San Diego Gas & Electric and 11 other donors.