Ms. Light's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 6

• Lights, Sounds, Action

  Funded Apr 7, 2022

  My students have loved playing with the new toys that were purchased through this project. The cause-effect toys have created opportunities for engagement and increased joint attention. The dinosaur push and go cars were especially a hit. They light up and play music, which all of the students loved.

  All of the toys have generated new interest in speech activities. My little guys have limited language or are completely nonverbal. Being exposed to new materials help keep them engaged and attentive during our speech therapy sessions.

  I am so grateful for your generosity. Without your support, I would not be able to provide these much needed materials for my special needs students.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Light

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose community & an Anonymous Partner and 4 other donors.

• Building Blocks of Communication

  Funded Jun 24, 2021

  I just wanted to express my thanks to you for your generous contributions to my project. My students are incredibly engaged with the new materials. The block sets are allowing them to express their creativity and increase their communication skills. We are using the puzzles to build vocabulary skills along with critical thinking. We are having so much fun that the students don't realize they are also "working." Your donations allowed me to purchase these supplies thereby increasing the effectiveness of my speech therapy sessions. Once again, thanks.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Light

  This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 4 other donors.

• Little People Teach Big Ideas

  Funded Aug 11, 2020

  These new toys have been such a hit with my students. Because the toys are so interactive, I have been able to elicit lots of language while playing with them. I was also able to create a communication board with core vocabulary so my non-verbal students could communicate during play.

  Preschool students need to play with actual toys, rather than just on virtual games. Learning to play with toys leads to better language skills, critical thinking, imagination and problem solving. All of these skills are the foundation to developing strong literacy skills as well.

  Your generosity made it possible for me to bring a breath of fresh air into my therapy with the addition of these new toys. Thank you so much for supporting my students.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Light

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 7 other donors.

• Investing in Preschool

  Funded Mar 16, 2020

  Even though my students are preschoolers, it is never too early to introduce them to numbers and the concept of money. The materials purchased with this project included books, puzzles and toys that related to numbers, shapes and money.

  I would have to say that my little ones were very excited to see the piggy bank, dinosaur and cash register toys. The dinosaur and piggy bank were extremely engaging because they also light up and play music. Even though the cash register does not make noise, it is perfect for students who are at a lower developmental level.

  While the toys are lots of fun, several of my students were just as happy to explore the new books and puzzles. Many students with autism are intrigued by numbers and these activities are the perfect therapy tool to gain their attention.

  Thank you so much for your kindness in donating to my special needs preschoolers. Your generosity makes the world a better place.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Light

  This classroom project was brought to life by Charles Schwab Foundation and 5 other donors.

• Linking Language and Literacy

  Funded Mar 4, 2020

  Books are such an incredible tool to use for language development, but are often replaced in today's world by technology. As a speech therapist, I prefer to use books because the students are able to handle them and it is a social experience for us to bond over. Computers and tablets just cannot take the place of a shared reading interaction between an adult and a child.

  My students were so excited to explore the new books that were purchased through this project. Many of the books were sturdy board books which are perfect for durability and active preschoolers. Board books also have the added benefit of being able to be sanitized in this new era of virus protection.

  All of these books will be used to supplement our curriculum and will be adapted to meet the needs of my students. I want to share with them my love of reading and hopefully spark their passion for books in the process. Thank you so much for making this project come alive for my students.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Light

  This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 3 other donors.

• Kaplan Communication

  Funded Jan 13, 2020

  My students have truly loved playing with the toys that your generous donation allowed me to purchase. We were able to use the blocks to create cities during our unit on "Imagine It, Build It" which provided us with a fun way to address the curriculum. I was also able to create icons for using blocks so my nonverbal students could make requests and comments.

  The puzzles were also a big hit, probably because they were vehicles. They were easy to manipulate and the shaded spots in the puzzle gave my students a small cue as to where to put each piece.

  Another way we used the blocks was to add them to our sensory bins. The students loved burying the people and then having another block person dig him out. Lots of language was involved in the activity from the basic "oh no" to "where's the lady?"

  Once again, thank you so much for helping me engage my students.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Light

  This classroom project was brought to life by Kaplan Early Learning Company and 5 other donors.