Ms. Gasteli's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 15

• Research and Inquiry Using Technology!

  Funded Oct 23, 2015

  Thank you so very much for making this project a reality! My students were so excited to see our new laptop computer arrive to our classroom. When we go to the computer lab, there are never enough computers since there are 25 students in our class. This new laptop enables one more student to access the iReady program both in our classroom and in the computer lab. There are a few students who prefer using this laptop since it is very easy to use and access the Internet quickly. When doing research in groups, this laptop computer is a favorite among the students.

  Additionally, the headphones that we had were in very poor condition. With the addition of these new headphones, my students are able to hear the instructions on the program. Both the headphones and the laptop computer have made a tremendous impact in fostering learning in our classroom.

  Thank you again for your donations and for helping my students learn through technology. :)”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Gasteli

• Help Keep the Classics Alive!

  Funded Oct 15, 2015

  Thank you so very much for making our project a reality!!! My students were thrilled to see each of the items delivered to our classroom! Two of my students even helped carry our beautiful new carpet into the classroom. Now my students are able to sit on a comfortable rug while listening to read alouds and during independent reading times. This new rug gives our classroom an inviting cozy feeling more conducive to learning. My students look forward to independent reading times just to be able to sit on the rug to read. They also enjoy their time on the rug when I read aloud to them or when we read StoryWorks and our class novels.

  We will also be reading our new novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as soon as we get back to school. My students were super excited when the box finally shipped and was delivered to our classroom. Each student will have a brand new copy to read both in class and at home.

  Finally, our brand new electric sharpener is amazing!!! It sharpens pencils with lightning speed. Once the students come in each morning, they are able to have their pencils sharpened and be ready for the day. This sharpener was greatly needed as well as the carpet and set of novels.

  Thank you again for donating to this project and for caring! :)”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Gasteli

• Exploring Hands-On Through Technology!

  Funded Dec 16, 2014

  Thank you so very much for donating to our class project! It is a dream come true for all of my students. This school year has been particularly challenging because of the new state standards that my third graders will be tested on. After 15 years of our students being tested on the FCAT assessment , our state is now developing a brand new assessment. In order to better prepare my students for this new assessment, our school has implemented a variety of computer programs to assist in targeting these new benchmarks. Your donation has strongly assisted in bringing more technology to our classroom.

  The ASUS transformer has been a lifesaver in allowing more students to use the computer programs in class. Fortunately, this ASUS transformer works both as a laptop and as a touch screen tablet. This has enabled my students to use it interchangeably when completing programs on Reflex Math, IReady Reading and IReady Math assignments. A bonus with this transformer is that it runs on Microsoft which is GREAT since most of the district's suggested programs run on Microsoft software. Reading Plus is another program that my students have been able to complete using the ASUS transformer and since this is a weekly grade in my class, many times they are able to complete their assignments before the weekend. :)

  The mini iPad recently arrived to our classroom along with the cover and Belkin splitter. I have already added math and reading apps and my students are able to work in pairs on these apps using the splitter. Since the mini iPad does not run on Microsoft, my students are able to use it for completing Reading Plus lessons as well as Reflex Math. Additionally, when they have completed their weekly assignments, they are able to work on the various learning apps in pairs. That way, learning is fun and maximized in the classroom.

  My students are so excited and love the added technology which has enhanced their learning. They are so motivated to learn with both the ASUS Transformer and the mini iPad. Thank you so very much for making such an impact in our classroom and in my students' lives! :)”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Gasteli

• Do You See What I See?

  Funded Nov 8, 2013

  Thank you so very much for your generous donations to this project! My students are so excited to be able to see images projected using the document camera. It's so innovative that they feel as if they are playing with a brand new toy. They also love the laptop since they are able to plug in their earphones and work on computer programs in class.

  The laptop is being used in class to project images and for students to work on computer programs. This laptop enables more students to use technology in the classroom. Now that we are also doing FCAT Explorer in the classroom students are able to either work on Reading Plus or FCAT Explorer using this laptop. It is much faster and more modern so the program doesn't lag or freeze as it sometimes does with the desktop computers. The document camera is used to enlarge images so that the students can see and understand the concepts better.

  This project boosted teaching and student learning by infusing more technology into the classroom. Students are exposed to technology in the world around them and this laptop and document camera have enabled them to learn better. They can see pages projected on the screen much better than if the image was simply held up. They can come to the paper and write or solve problems and students can learn from each other by seeing the enlarged image. Both the laptop and document camera are valuable tools for learning in our classroom. We truly appreciate your help in making this project a reality!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Gasteli

  This classroom project was brought to life by South Florida Kia Retailers and 6 other donors.

• Motivating and Challenging with Books and Technology

  Funded Oct 11, 2013

  Thank you so very much for donating to this project Motivating and Challenging with Books and Technology. From the moment the box was delivered to our classroom, all of my students were filled with excitement! They eagerly helped me open the box and were filled with joy upon seeing all of the copies of Candymakers which would soon be read as the class novel. Additionally, some of them jumped up and down with glee as we unpacked the iPad, the blue protective case and the splitter. They eagerly asked with the splitter was for. I then told them that the splitter would allow me to connect up to 5 headphones at a time so that students would be able to work on the Ipad together.

  At this time, we are reading Candymakers in class! My students eagerly await each day to see what will happen next. The fact that this novel is about candy is definitely interesting to them, but the different writing components we find each day is even more wonderful. My students can easily identify inside details, outside details, idioms, similes, personification, magnify the moment, and metaphors as we read aloud. Every day during our read aloud, I ask them comprehension questions to improve their comprehension skills. Additionally, the iPad is used by groups of students to enhance their skills in math. I have added some applications to improve their multiplication and division skills. At this time our school does not have Wi-Fi, but once we do, then I can also use the iPad to put students on programs such as Reading Plus and Successmaker at school. In the meantime, they are targeting skills in math.

  This project has boosted my teaching immensely. Allowing each one of my students to have a copy of the novel in their hands provides a great impact to their learning. They are taking ownership of their learning and it is thanks to your generous donation. The iPad allows our class to have more technology and makes learning exciting to them. Thank you once again for your generous and thoughtful donation! It means a lot to us all!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Gasteli

  This classroom project was brought to life by South Florida Kia Retailers and 8 other donors.