Mrs. Alvigi's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 3

• Interactive Inclusion

  Funded Aug 2, 2019

  My students LOVE our new Omso! From the moment we unpacked it and downloaded the app, the students were so excited. Osmo is super easy to use and there are so many ways my students can use it.

  They are engaged and working hard to learn skills on their independent level. They are able to work in groups of two or work on their own. Osmo can be used in a variety of learning levels. This is so helpful with my diverse group of learners. I still have friends working on letters and sounds and others reading and building sentences. It's also works on math skills and illustrating.

  I am so happy that my Osmo was funded. Since receiving our Donorschoose Osmo, not a school day has gone by that my students aren't using the program. They have choices everyday on what to work on on the technology in our class. It speaks volumes that they continue to choose Osmo. This would not have been possible with out generous donors like you!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Alvigi

  This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and one other donor.

• The Earth Without Art is Just Eh...

  Funded Oct 9, 2018

  My students were so excited to receive our new paints. The students couldn't believe they each had their own paint pallet of water colors to use. The tempera paint is so bright and comes right of with soap and water. We have used them to create a special place mat for our Thanksgiving Feast. This is also something they can keep as a keepsake. We have created some family gifts in the way of ornaments for Christmas gifts. We have practiced our sight words and created some fun artwork. Among the various aspects that painting allows me to cover, some of the greatest benefits integrated with painting are; painting can help my students with autism communicate their emotions or feelings. Through the use of different colors, they can express themselves without the use of words. Painting allows them an educational opportunity that is also fun and exciting. It aids student's in acquiring hand-eye coordination, an important skill in their age. This is developed while they learn to paint the parts that they see; making sure their hand movement is at par with their vision.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Alvigi

• iPads for Inclusion Kindergarten

  Funded Dec 29, 2015

  With 18 students, I have the challenge of teaching to every level. So, I was lucky enough to get my project funded through Donors Choose. The two iPad Minis allow me to create a custom learning experience for every student. I have installed the same library of apps on both iPads and assigned an electronic folder to each student. Apple's IOS software made customization easy as I simply dragged appropriate apps into each student's folder. For example, I might put a number recognition App into one student's math folder and an addition / subtraction App into another student's folder. Making folders of apps seemed basic, but it made a huge difference. When students picked up an iPad to start learning, they just tapped on the right folder and went to work. Having tailor-made learning materials helped them advance much more quickly. "Everything they do on their iPads is completely self-checking, so they get that immediate reinforcement and can move along without me standing right there. They have the freedom to progress at their own speed.

  Meaningful learning opportunities, like the "Teach Me Kindergarten," App a favorite among my students, continue throughout the day and across all curricular areas. But this isn't about replacing instruction. Tablets and other technology tools are not used in every lesson, nor are they used at a designated "technology time." My Kindergarteners still do all the traditional and important developmental kindergarten activities, learning centers, circle time, music and movement, etc. Rather, the technology components are integrated into lessons where and when the use of the technology will enhance the learning of the objectives. No matter what the subject area or objective, when I look at why the use of the iPad is so effective, three key components surface: increased engagement, immediate feedback, and differentiated instruction.

  iPads allow for powerful differentiation. Every student has the opportunity to work at his/her level and pace. This is most impactful for my students with autism, language impairment, and my struggling learners. They love this technology the most. It gives them the independence to be successful on their level. The right Apps allow these students to develop weak areas through repeated practice and move them up to the next challenge. Depending on the student's level or need, many Apps give students the opportunity to practice everything, from basic pre-k skills to First grade skills. All students are working in a similar interface, and the apps track each students' individual progress. But the biggest benefit? Struggling students work better themselves without the stigma of having a completely different activity from the student next to them or needing more support from adults. These students, therefore feel more pride in themselves and are more eager to try.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Alvigi