Past projects 5
High-Interest Books
Funded Mar 27, 2023Thank you for your generosity in donating to my classroom so that I can purchase books for my second graders. These books are used by my students to read for enjoyment and to help practice a variety of skills that I teach throughout the year.
I have purchased books that are diverse and reflect my students. In addition, these books are appropriately leveled for my students. It is important to provide literature that my students can connect to and are interested in reading. They love reading new and different books that they have not seen before. Thank you for your kindness in donating to this project. You have helped many students this year and many more beyond. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. VanDerheyden
Let's Build and Create Together!
Funded Mar 22, 2023My students love to build and create. This is a weekly activity in the morning. Students choose which materials to use to build something. There is little direction from me and they are able to create freely. More importantly, kids will build together - talking, planning, building and laughing. They were so surprised that this was a morning activity the first time I put the items out. They still get excited when they walk in and these building materials are out.
Since then, my students look forward to building together and creating a variety of structures together. They use their imagination and creativity to build things together. Thank you so much for helping to fund this most needed project. My second grade students love it!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. VanDerheyden
Flexible Seating Options
Funded Mar 28, 2022Thank you for your generous donations so that I was able to purchase 2 wobble stools for my classroom. These stools are sought after by all of my students. The seating is safe and a quiet option for my students to utilize while working independently or in small cooperative groups. In addition, they allow my students the flexibility to sit and incorporate movement while working at their desks or one of the tables. I appreciate your donations so that I can provide seating options to meet the needs of my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. VanDerheyden
Versa Tile Hands On Literacy and Math Learning
Funded Sep 9, 2021Thank you for helping to fund this important project for my students! They are able to use the Math Versa Tiles Hands On as they learn and review different math skills. Although it took some time for the kit to arrive, it was well worth the wait. This activity kit allows for independent practice as well as guided practice when learning a new math skill or reviewing a previously taught one. Students are motivated and think it's fun to check their answers for accuracy.
Unfortunately the Literacy Versa Tiles Hands On kit was unavailable and did not indicate when it would be in stock again so I was not able to order it. Thankfully I was able to use the remaining funds to purchase foldable seat cushions and books for my classroom. These books are highly engaging and are now part of your bookshelf for kids to read during independent reading time. They have truly enjoyed reading books about relatable characters and stories. In addition, my students are able to use the foldable seat cushions as part of my flexible seating options when working on various assignments. This has been very helpful in allowing my students to have a variety of seating options that are comfortable, safe and easy to transport within my classroom. Thank you for helping me meet the needs of my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. VanDerheyden
This classroom project was brought to life by hand2mind and 5 other donors.Books for Grade 1 Readers
Funded Sep 16, 2020Thank you for your generous donation of these books for my students and classroom. This past year was extremely unpredictable due to COVID and contributed to an emotionally and physically challenging year. Thankfully these engaging books kept my students motivated and were imperative to keep them reading. Literature always has a way of connecting people together.
Unfortunately, I was unable to have a reading table or a rug in my classroom since students needed to stay socially distanced apart; therefore, it was vital to provide engaging texts for them to enjoy and provide a sense of normal. Students enjoyed reading at their seats behind clear desk shields. It seemed so unnatural. My students and I were able to gather using small stools for read aloud when I was not using my document camera to project the book onto my Smartboard. It was important to foster a sense of community despite the circumstances. Using literature as a tool to connect to and teach students about the value of reading and modeling literacy skills is always so impactful. It was an opportunity to discuss topics focusing on social emotional learning as well which was essential. My students are amazing little humans. Thank you for being a part of my extended classroom by providing these wonderful books which were vital to us all this year.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. VanDerheyden
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose 20th Anniversary Fund and 10 other donors.