Past projects 3
Storytime Comfort in Speech
Funded Jan 10, 2023The students in my class are all diagnosed with autism. They have a variety of learning challenges and often have difficulty communicating. Our students communicate verbally and by using speech-generating communication devices. They benefit from having materials and instruction presented to them at eye level. The chairs I asked for have allowed my paraprofessionals to be at eye level with my students while seated during learning activities. They truly added to the comfort of our classroom and have allowed our grownups to help the students navigate their activities effectively.
Language and literacy go hand in hand in my classroom. My students enjoy having books read to them, as well as the multi-sensory activities that go along with them. The easel along with the adapting materials helped me to create and present manipulatives for our favorite books. The easel gave us a place to display the story elements as well as allow for a more hands-on approach to our story time.
My students were excited to see the materials up on the easel and were thrilled to use the materials I made with the Velcro and laminating paper. The classroom staff were so thankful for adding to their comfort as they work so hard with our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prospero O'Rourke
Language and Literacy in Speech
Funded Sep 23, 2021"I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book" -JK Rowling. Each week I incorporate literacy activities into my group speech lessons. We gather around our table and share a book together. I present manipulatives for the children to identify and label as well as match to storyboards that they are provided with. We learn to listen and turn pages. We learn to follow along to a story. Even at a very young age, experiencing different genres of books, hearing stories from the adults who care about them, and exploring books alone or with peers helps children learn how to listen to and understand language and how to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings. Children learn to understand and use language to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and to communicate with others. During early speech and language development, children learn skills that are important to the development of literacy. The materials I received from the generous donations are helping to give each child access to a rich, literacy based activity each week, have fun, and help their language all at the same time. Each week I have watched the magic of my students when they learn new vocabulary words, identify new pictures, and attend to a story just a bit longer than the week before. The materials I received had such an amazing impact on my learners.
My students love the story telling puppet kits! They are packed with all the cloth characters and props we need to bring their favorite songs and stories to life! The story telling board and glove helped my student to engage in the story and enjoy the different characters, animals and pictures.
The new books were amazing additions to my library. Stories like The Jacket I Wear in the Snow and It Looked Like Spilt Milk brought smiles to my students' faces as they enjoyed listening to every page. Halloween was extra special with our favorite Go Away Big Green Monster. My students were so engaged as they each were able to make a monster face with the manipulatives. My little learners loved it so much we designed our class pumpkin after that silly monster! The leveled book cart has been integral in helping to keep my literacy activities and coordinating books organized and accessible to myself, my students and my classroom team. I look forward to seeing the new skills my student acquire with the help of these materials. Without the generous donations of family and friends I would not have been able to give my wonderful class this amazing gift.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prospero O'Rourke
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 9 other donors.Look Who's Talking!
Funded Feb 12, 2020Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for your generous donation. My students will be so excited to use their new materials is our group speech sessions!!! These materials will help so much with my learners speech and language goals! I can't wait to get started!!!❤❤❤”
With gratitude,
Ms. Prospero O'Rourke