Past projects 7
Restocking Our Classroom
Funded Jan 24, 2022It has been a pleasure to see my students thrive using the various materials that you have helped to supply. When they first helped me open the boxes they were thrilled by all of possibilities the resources provide. Since receiving the resources, my scholars have been thrilled to add more color to their pictures, practice sounding out and writing words during Fundations, creating letters and words out of Play-Doh, and practicing various center activities using the pocket sleeves and laminated activities. The skills they are able to practice are preparing them not only for first grade but to become life long learners.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
Reading for the Future
Funded Sep 8, 2021My students are all very active children with lots of thoughts floating around their heads. The only time they seem to sit still and listen completely silently is when they are entranced by a book. Eyes light up when I pull out one of the amazing books you have helped provide.
These books enable my kids to learn and understand themselves and the world around them in an age appropriate and empowering way. My students make wonderful connections to the texts and learn so much! The brilliant conversations sparked by these books are astonishing and can only be brought to life through the magic of reading.
Every day after recess I pull out a book to read to my students. Sometimes the book is intentionally picked to address something that my students need support with, other times it is a book chosen at random from my growing collection. Taking the time to read a fun book helps my students recenter. We are grateful for the opportunities you have created for us through your donation to this project.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Allstate Foundation and 2 other donors.Learning From Anywhere
Funded Feb 1, 2021After I first received the package from Donors Choose I held the materials up to the camera to show my students what they would be receiving. Every single child was sitting there with eager eyes watching as I showed them the new workbooks, dice, and activities from Teachers Pay Teachers that were purchased for them.
Scholars spend roughly four hours a day engaging in synchronous learning on the computer and two hours of asynchronous learning off the computer each day. During those two hours when my scholars are not on the computer they are engaging in the workbooks you provided them and packets I was able to create using resources on Teachers Pay Teachers. They cherish the time that they get to spend independently improving both their cognitive and motor-skills.
Each day parents send me pictures of their scholars proudly showing off the work that they completed. Since receiving theses materials my scholars have shown substantial growth in their knowledge of sight-words and their reading and comprehension skills. They are eager to practice their math and handwriting skills through roll-and-write activities.
My students and I look forward to continuing to use these resources throughout the remainder of the year. We thank you for your generous support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by William Penn Foundation and 3 other donors.Building Out of the Box Learners
Funded Dec 8, 2019My little creators and I can't thank you enough for making this project possible! My students have been able to practice their engineering and architecture skills as well as their story telling skills using the legos provided. Seeing and hearing about the creative ideas my kids have is magical. Seeing the excitement on their faces as they tell me about their creation. Often my students ask me to take pictures of their work and share it with their families.
Their excitement levels exploded when they learned that our class had received new sets of legos. We carved out a time each Friday for the class to get to use the materials to learn and explore. For many, it is their favorite time of the week. They enjoy creating various designs and stories. No two creations are ever the same. Every child's mind is fully engaged when the legos come out.
When creating this project, I thought it would help my students with social studies and story telling while incorporating engineering skills. My students have taken their learning even further by incorporating other skills I didn't even consider. Many students practice various mathematical skills by counting, comparing, and building patterns. Seeing them find ways to implement their own learning into the free time is rewarding for me as a teacher as it is a testament of their love for learning.
I look forward to introducing the community helpers as we learn about various community members in social studies. Enabling my students to learn through play helps them better engage in and understand the ideas presented. We thank you for your generosity that made these opportunities a reality for my kids.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and 4 other donors.Learning the Alphabet
Funded Aug 13, 2019When the year first started, many of my students couldn't even name three letters. Now most of my students can name all of the lowercase letters independently. Where my students once held self-doubt they now hold self-confidence and a love of learning. The fun hands-on approach to learning helps students make deep connections while having fun. The self-correcting materials help guide students to learn from their mistakes, promoting a growth mindset.
Typically the manipulatives are used during centers and small groups where students get to explore and navigate their own learning. Some of the materials are self-correcting, others allow for peer mentoring as they work together to meet their goals. The letter locks and soup sorters remain long time class favorites.
The alphabet tubs have become the highlight of our morning meetings. My students appreciate the concrete examples provided by the miniatures in each tub.
Understanding letter names and sounds have helped my scholars become better readers and writers. I wish that you were able to see the pure joy in the eyes of my students when they learn something new. Students constantly come up to me wanting to read their book to me so they can show off the new words they have learned. Without the foundational skills my students wouldn't have made the quick growth that that they have already made in such a short period of time.
My students and I are grateful for your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 12 other donors.Math Mania
Funded Jul 11, 2019Watching my blooming mathematicians explore and gain a deep understanding for mathematical concepts daily is extremely rewarding. My scholars love the hands on approach that enables them to take charge of their learning. Every day they come in asking to use various resources that you helped provide through this project. Whenever I introduce a new learning tool for them to delve into they cannot contain their excitement and curiosity.
In the past two months, my students have worked on counting, number sequencing, comparing, sorting, patterns, and addition, all with the materials you helped provide. While sometimes we use the resources during whole group lessons they are typically used during centers and small group. Having a variety of educational resources that my students enjoy on hand has truly enhanced their learning. They are convinced that learning is fun and see how fun learning through hands-on play-based opportunities helps them grow and explore the world around them.
My students, their families, and I can't thank you enough for your generosity. Our learning environment has been greatly improved due to the resources provided through this project.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and one other donor.Promoting Health and Wellness
Funded Jul 16, 2019Thank you so much for the amazing resources you have helped provide my students. We now have a library full of awesome texts that cover various domains of health and things to play with at recess. Some of the recess equipment is for personal and parallel play and others are for more interactive play, providing my students with a perfect balance of options.
Through the age appropriate stories my students have learned how to be more emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually healthy. Two class favorites so far include Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker and Eda Kaban, and Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud. Every day my students reference and reflect those stories by making exemplary superhero choices and filling buckets. Through reading and discussing the stories my students are gaining a growth mindset that supports a love of learning and helping others.
At recess my students enjoy getting to use the various pieces of playground equipment. Playing games together help my students work on their gross motor skills while socializing and finding an outlet. The soccer ball and scoop balls are student favorites.
My happy and healthy students are growing more and more everyday through the use of the materials from this project. Your generosity is appreciated by myself, my students, and their families.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Clorox Company and 3 other donors.