Past projects 5
Working to the Beat!
Funded Dec 31, 2024The Yoto players have had a significant impact on student learning by fostering independence, engagement, and even a love for storytelling. These screen-free audio players provide students with access to educational content, audiobooks, and music, helping to develop listening comprehension, and creativity.
My students who struggle with reading and/or attention, now have a hands-on way to engage with information at their own pace. They also support classroom routines by offering calming music, mindfulness exercises, and structured transitions.
One of the most exciting aspects for students is the interactive nature of the Yoto cards. Being able to choose and insert a card themselves gives them a sense of control over their learning, making them more eager to explore new topics.
Certain students, particularly those with ADHD or sensory needs, have especially embraced Yoto players. Others find comfort in using the Yoto for calming sounds during independent work time, helping them regulate their emotions and stay engaged.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Garabedian
This classroom project was brought to life by Allison and Austin McChord.Sitting Pretty
Funded Oct 17, 2023The look of joy and excitement on my students' faces when five huge boxes were delivered to my classroom was unmatched to anything I had to that point experienced in my classroom. The kids knew I had a surprise coming from Donorschoose that would contribute to their flexible seating, but had no idea what it was. When they saw the large floor seats they were elated! it is such an inclusive seating options that allows for all shapes and sizes to participate in classroom choice. All the kids wanted to use them right away.
A few students helped me set them up and modeled how they were to be used in the class. They were looking forward to math class because they knew it would be their first chance to test them out. The floor seats have been a great addition to the flexible seating rotation for my class of 30. Small groups can work together with ease. The seats are large enough to be enjoyed by all students, but portable enough to be moved throughout the room. Thank you for adding a level of excitement to independent work in the classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Garabedian
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 5 other donors.Rise Up...or Sit Down?
Funded Aug 22, 2022Thank you so much for the donation for the standing desk. The students were so excited when the package arrived. They waited eagerly for it to be assembled. When we had the first day of adding it to our flexible seating rotation they were very engaged. They wanted to know how it worked and where it had come from.
They have already started using it during math centers. It is large enough to give the student room to write and discuss at the same time. Being able to work somewhere other than their desk is a great opportunity for them to move around. We are so grateful for the generous donations that made our new work center possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Garabedian
This classroom project was brought to life by Charles Schwab and 3 other donors.Wiggle While We Work
Funded Jun 17, 2022My students have been thrilled to use their new resources for flexible seating. Their excitement had built over the week as they waited to start flexible seating in class. The bright colors and options attracted them immediately. They have now started becoming familiar with the exercise donuts and stools as they work on group and independent work. Currently, we are rotating through eight different stations experiencing all the options they will have to choose from this year. Although the stools are practical and great for group work, the exercise donuts are definitely a class favorite because of the movement they provide.
As we continue through the year the students will better understand the routines and procedures for flexible seating and will be allowed to freely move about the class during work time and choose the seat option best for them. The classroom is not a huge space, but having options and sectioned locations makes it feel larger and more inviting. Without your help two of my most important stations would not have been possible. The students and I are so grateful for your donations!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Garabedian
Get the Lead Out!
Funded Aug 23, 2020"Get the Lead Out" was a big hit with my students. They loved hearing about how people gave money to help with their learning experience. Since we are learning remotely, the iPad, stand, and Apple pencil have been essential to aiding the students in their learning. The notes for math are all recorded on the iPad using the Apple pencil. It allows the notes to be colorful, easily readable and accessible. I load all the videos to YouTube, so students can continue to access them after class time. The students all helped me set the recording features and layout of the iPad over Zoom during our virtual class. They were excited to showcase their knowledge of technology and teach me!
Since the school year started our classroom has been remote. The schedule has changed multiple times, and I have gone from seeing 140 kids in two days back to my core 60 students. Having the most up-to-date technology has truly been a gift for my students and I. We can access Google classroom, videos, and applications without interrupting the applications on the computer. It has been hard to be away from my students in person and not have the same interactions, but having the Apple pencil to write on the iPad has allowed their classroom experience to grow in new ways. Having a portable document camera has made sharing objects and models helpful in both math and science. I can walk around to go on virtual field trips and not be carrying a laptop. One of these 'field trips" was a walk around what would have been their first Middle School Classroom. Sometimes I teach from home and other days I teach in my empty classroom. One of the days I was at school I walked around the Middle School showing the students all the ins and outs. They were so excited to see the school even if it was just online. The iPad made it possible for them to have a connection to the building and school community.
Although we haven't been able to utilize the technology in a hands-on way with the students yet, they are already talking about the fun things we can do with the technology once we get back to in person learning. They are excited to be able to write on the iPad to share their own ideas and examples with their classmates. They are looking forward to showing me different settings and even filming movies in the classroom for science. I am truly grateful for such a versatile gift to my classroom, especially during such hard times. You have led to great conversations about helping others and giving. My students were truly in awe of your generosity and were eager to make Thank you signs, even if it could only be virtual. It meant a lot to know someone was thinking of them even when they had never met. We want to use this opportunity to grow as a class community and give back to others when we can.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Garabedian