Past projects 2
Beautiful You: Appreciating Diversity in Our Classroom and Our World
Funded Nov 19, 2020Your generous donations helped to purchase books celebrating diverse people. Sharing these stories with my students allows them to see people of different colors and ethnicities as the protagonists in stories. By pairing quality children's literature and materials representing diverse people with classroom discussion I hope to increase appreciation and understanding of diversity in my community.
Many of the books purchased with this grant are Spanish language versions of popular classroom books. Now I am able to read the stories to my English Language Learners in both English and Spanish. They are able to enjoy favorites like "Caps for Sale" by Esphyr Slobodkina and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Reading the books in both Spanish and English helps to expand their vocabularies and increase comprehension.
In addition to be used throughout the school year, the materials were also used on a unit specifically highlighting diversity and uniqueness in ourselves and others. The art materials purchased through the grant were used as a culminating activity. The children in my class made representations of themselves using the materials. They enjoyed this project immensely. We have their projects displayed in the classroom and they proudly share their representations with their friends. Thank you so much for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Snyder
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and 11 other donors.Made to Move
Funded Oct 8, 2019When the materials first arrived to our classroom my students and I were so excited. As we began using the items over the course of the next several weeks our excitement continued to grow. The materials have brought opportunities for more movement throughout the day. We use the bean bags and scarves during large group time to combine movement with learning activities, like fishing for letters or creating shapes with the scarves. The ramps and balls and marble tower were added to the block center where the students use the materials to create and to experiment with various elements of physics.
The other day, during circle time, I looked around at my students in amazement as they all tapped out the rhythm to the Alphabet Song using rhythm sticks. If you have spent much time with preschoolers you know that getting 18 preschoolers to do anything in unison is nearly a miracle. I thank you for this small, miraculous moment in my day and for many others. The rhythm sticks you provided to my class have helped my students in countless ways. As they move their bodies to music and chants they have learned about rhythm, patterns, self-control, and how to work together as a group.
These materials are making a positive impact on student learning in my classroom. My children are made to move while learning and you have provided many opportunities for them to do so. We will continue to use the materials daily to learn and grow together. Thank you so much.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Snyder
This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great® and one other donor.