Past projects 5
Books for Me, About Me.
Funded Oct 10, 2023Your donations are always a blessing and much appreciated. Your donation will help me in teaching the necessary skills for emotional intelligence. These books will also teach cultural competency within my students and educate them on other children from around the world; how they more alike than different and handle their life struggles.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gallemore
This classroom project was brought to life by The Peterson Family and one other donor.Social Emotional Books
Funded Mar 30, 2023Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed reading. Sadly, I have not seen this love of reading and learning in my students; many performing 2-3 grade levels below. The books so graciously donated by you, have been used to talk about feelings and how to manage big emotions through mindfulness and meditation. My younger students LOVE the little spot of feelings books and stuffed spots. They are getting more comfortable with meditation and deep breathing coping techniques. I was enthusiastic about having books with people of color for my students to see kids that look like them.
One of the biggest emotions my students express, is Anger. Typically, in big, unhealthy ways they show they are angry. The books on anger have helped to normalize anger and also teach them healthier ways to cope with anger. They have been able to identify triggers and learn how to communicate their needs, separate from triggering people and things and how to be anger but not mean.
I use books as apart of bibliotherapy and CBT. We will read a book as a group or individual. When students come to my office frustrated and unable to self-regulate, I have books set up for them to read as they calm down. Also, some staff my check out my collection and read to their class about a specific topic.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gallemore
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Healing Through Creativity
Funded Feb 14, 2022Thank you so much for your support through donations. As you know this year has been extremely challenging for us as we went back in person after 1.5 years of virtual. Reading is fundamental. At my school, our literacy scores, while increasing, are not where they should be. A lot of our students are 1-2 grade levels behind in reading.
The books I choose for my project are directly related to the challenges of the students I serve. Art Therapy for Anxiety and Depression has been very helpful in allowing students the opportunity for use art to process through their big emotions. My Strong Mind: A Story About Developing Mental Strength has been key in teaching students' resilience and how to get through difficult times. My students are learning how to express themselves and how to come back after a traumatic experience. Children learn best through creativity. My students love having access to creative materials to express themselves. The kids love drawing, and I was able to gift two students with their own personal sketch book that they are filling up!
In my space, I use reading as a therapeutic tool. I collect SEL books and books about things my students experience like, death, trauma, foster care, parents with mental health issues. My younger students enjoy the lively pictures and the fun voices I do. The older student love to read to me and show off their reading skills. I share my books with other staff members as well, who might want to discuss a special topic with their students.
Thank you again for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gallemore
This classroom project was brought to life by Black History Month Partners and 2 other donors.Quality Therapeutic Services: Part One
Funded Dec 6, 2019When it comes to play, there is not age limit. Play is a universal language; we all do it. Being able to provide new toys and crafts to the students I service has been amazing. The kids come in and find something new and say, "Is this from the people who care?" and I say, "Yes". They love that there are people who do not not know them and yet want to help them.
It was like Christmas, after Christmas! I waited to open boxes with the kids as they came to group so they could experience. They could not wait to get to play with the dolls and houses. My artist have been drawing amazing pictures and stories about their emotions and life.
This has been an amazing experience not just for the children but for me too.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gallemore
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 5 other donors.Quality Therapeutic Services: Part Two
Funded Dec 4, 2019I am in awe! Thank you so much for you kindness and support. My students had so much fun opening boxes and seeing what new books and items we had for the space. They could not believe that everything was a gift for them! I've used these new books to normalize and teach emotions and problem solving. These books allow for the students to gain appropriate language and expand emotional language. We're currently using stories to discuss how our actions and emotions might effect how others view us.
In my office, I typically have a book or topic in mind prior to meeting with students. Sometimes, they are allowed to choose if we have extra time. Growing up with a mother who was an educator, reading has always had a special place in my heart. So having a variety of books to choose from is important.
My students enjoy acting out the books or "re-writing" books. By allowing students to use their own creatives juices, they are more excited about books. Student also like work books where they can process their feelings and emotions in a non judgmental space.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gallemore
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 8 other donors.