Past projects 3
Foster Indi-pendent Exploration!
Funded Nov 13, 2024The Sphero Indi is an innovative tool that encourages students' creativity while introducing them to technology through hands-on, engaging play.
With its color-coded tiles and screen-free programming, Indi is making fans here at School of the Arts, as they experiment with problem-solving, sequencing, and design thinking in an intuitive way. They are creating their own mazes, challenges, and obstacle courses among the library stacks, fostering their imagination while developing foundational computational thinking skills.
By giving them the freedom to explore and iterate their designs, Indi empowers students to think critically and express their creativity while building confidence in their ability to interact with technology.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gomez
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon and 2 other donors.Books as Windows and Mirrors
Funded Dec 15, 2021Thank you so much for your generous donations that made it possible for our public school library to increase its offering of diverse books.
As Rudine Sims Bishop (widely recognized for her research in children's literature coined the phrase, books can serve as both windows and mirrors; "Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books."
Our new books are both windows for some and mirrors for others. Our students enjoy coming to the library daily, and having these books on display lets everyone know that we value diversity and encourage the discovery of new perspectives.
Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gomez
Tinkering Tools Are Tools for Success!
Funded Dec 4, 2019I work hard to make the school library the hub and heart of the building. Of course we have many books to offer students, and we strive to provide them with the books they want and provide suggestions for others they just *might* like.
Besides books, though, our library offers safe spaces for students to retreat to and unwind or disconnect. We have a cozy corner for chillaxing, a puzzle table, and coloring. Ollie and Sphero have provided yet another draw for the students in my school. Students who may not even like reading are tempted to come in to the library and try the robots. Allowing students the freedom to explore the gadgets provides an opportunity for conversation and connection. Students interact with the friends they come in with, but they also interact with the other students in the library, and we have seen connections made across grade levels and between students of differing abilities.
The robots lend themselves to creativity and unstructured exploration, something students do not always have time for in their core classes. Whether it be figuring out how to make Ollie go around an obstacle or maneuvering Sphero around a sharp corner, problem-solving is fun with these robots.
Our community is better because of this project!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Gomez
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 6 other donors.