Past projects 42
Filling Up The Pre-K Piggy Bank of Financial Literacy
Funded Oct 16, 2012Thank you all for supporting my project, "Filling Up The Pre-K Piggy Bank of Financial Literacy." My students' knowledge and understanding of money was lacking. They had no connection with the basic workings of a bank, the joy of spending money they'd earned and saved, or the different denominations of money. Your donations provided the books, materials, and games to get them started on the path of financial literacy.
The collection of fiction and non-fiction books are housed together in our Financial Literacy library bin. Not surprisingly, children were initially drawn to books featuring characters they knew: Maisy, Max, Carl, Little Critter, etc. I created a weekly mini-unit for each of the six titles in the "Money For . . ." series from AKJ. The books motivated my students through the themes of Toys, Entertainment, Hobbies, School, Food, and Clothes. Saving and spending were the main objectives, but we covered so much more! The impact on vocabulary and descriptive language was profound. We also used print advertisements from newspapers and mailboxes to sort, compare, create picture lists, and make alphabet books for each theme. My students worked with the Coins Patterning Box and sets of magnetic money throughout these units. There is marked improvement in their ability to differentiate and identify monetary denominations, especially coins.
The Lakeshore Writing Boxes were utilized to convert our House Center into a Grocery Store and then, a Toy Store. Having previously used the Restaurant Writing Box to create a diner, students were familiar with running a business. Newly equipped with some financial savvy, they took the responsibility quite seriously. The Extra 500 Bills and Coins may be 'play' money to us. For my little learners, however, this was their legal tender of dramatic play. Credit cards & checks are not accepted! The books about banks have sparked an interest, so a class trip to a local branch within walking distance would be ideal.
By equipping my students with these materials, you've offered a hand in building a sound, responsible, and informed economic future. I've never heard so much pecuniary chatter from Pre-K students and it's a pleasure. As I said, in the Pre-K piggy bank of financial literacy, every penny counts! Thank you all for filling us up!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Tony and Nanar Yoseloff and 11 other donors.Learning the Letters Leads to Literacy in Pre-K!
Funded Oct 11, 2012I'd like to thank you all for supporting my project, "Learning the Letters Leads to Literacy in Pre-K!" My students were eager to learn the letters of the alphabet and the kits, manipulatives, puzzles, and books your donations provided have been great motivators resulting in success!
The ABC Puppet Set is definitely my students' favorite. They use the puppets and correlating book to practice letter recognition, alphabetical order, and initial sounds. In addition to the activities I've suggested, they've come up with some of their own creative ideas and it's a pleasure to see such interest. The children enjoy stringing the Manuscript Letter Beads and working with the Alphabet Lacing Kit. They practice matching, sequencing, and patterning as they develop fine motor skills. The Alpha Pops, ABC Floor Puzzle, and A to Z Puzzles offer more hands-on practice of alphabet skills as students work independently, with a partner, or a couple of friends. I integrate literature throughout our curriculum and the big and board books complement our classroom library.
At the beginning of the school year, my young learners were full of enthusiasm and keen on learning the letters of the alphabet. Because of the resources you have all provided, they are well on the way to achieving that goal. Thank you again for your kind generosity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and 7 other donors.Showing Off What We Know In Pre-K!
Funded Nov 5, 2012Thanks to everyone who made my project, "Showing Off What We Know In Pre-K!" a reality. Your donations will support our desire to display the amazing work we're doing in the mysterious realm of Early Education.
We accomplish new things in Pre-K every day and we can now highlight these milestones on our front doors so everyone can view what really goes on inside! The white board will enhance communication with parents and provide another window for the school community to catch a glimpse of our program's many exciting activities and events.
My students and I are touched by the generosity of family members, our new friend, Laura, and KIA Motors America. While we'll never abandon playing house and fingerpainting, your support will allow us to show off all we know in Pre-K!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 7 other donors.Pre-K T.A. Needs A Mobile Way To Work & Display!
Funded Oct 15, 2012Thanks to everyone who helped make my project, "Pre-K T.A. Needs A Mobile Way To Work & Display!" a reality. My students, their parents, and my paraprofessional, in particular, were very excited to hear the great news!
The Classic Birch Store-It-All Teaching Center will eliminate my paraprofessional's daily burden of packing up for relocation. Now, she'll simply and quickly roll out with time to spare. She's also looking forward to the 8-Cubby Unit inside the classroom where she can keep items that aren't currently in use. It will serve as a Parent Volunteer station for record-keeping & storage, too.
Because of your kind generosity, we will now have more time, space, organization, and learning opportunities. Friends and Family helped everyone by doubling the donations and we all appreciate it! Thanks again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and 6 other donors.Integral Pre-K Academic Development = iPad!
Funded Jan 22, 2013I'd like to thank everyone who funded my project, "Integral Pre-K Academic Development = iPad!" The DonorsChoose.org Board of Directors matched my contribution and Patann did her part, as well. First 5 LA generously completed the funding and although initially stunned, I was not surprised. First 5 LA has consistently demonstrated its commitment to Early Education via partnership with Donors Choose.
I strive to keep our classroom equipped with current technology and an Apple iPad is just what my students need. Exploring the possibilities will be a joint adventure I look forward to sharing with them. They may just teach me a thing or two along the way! Applications for literacy and math are first on our list, but we plan to do so much more.
After enjoying a holiday weekend, I'm excited to greet my students and their families tomorrow with the great news that the Apple iPad we've hoped for is on the way. Your kind generosity will be duly noted and acknowledged. Thanks again for supporting my young learners in their quest for success!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
We're Crafty In Pre-K!
Funded Aug 15, 2012I would like to thank The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations for generously funding my project, "We're Crafty In Pre-K!" These arts and crafts materials have presented my young learners with rich opportunities to show what they know in creative, personalized ways.
The Autumn collage kit enriched our study of the seasons and provided motivation for my students' vocabulary development and creative oral language. The stories they invented about squirrels were detailed, inventive, and lots of fun! They used the collage leaves to create patterns and the yarn laces to make necklaces. The children practiced decision-making, planning, and organizing when producing their personal works of art.
Children enjoyed some innovative painting experiences with the glitter paint and construction paper. We've used The Big Barrel of Art Sponges in several activities providing students with simple tools that built self-confidence and promoted imagination. The spin art center awaits us when we return after our Winter break and is sure to be a favorite.
My 4-year-old's adore the kind of good, old-fashioned fun found in cutting, gluing, and painting. Making messes with a purpose facilitates language development and vocabulary enrichment, especially in the areas of social studies and science. Because of your kind donation, my young learners have discovered new ways to exercise their creativity as academic skills strengthen and self-esteem blossoms! Thanks again to The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
Pre-K Math Is A Piece Of Cake & A Bushel Of Produce!
Funded Nov 20, 2012Thanks to all who helped make my project, "Pre-K Math Is A Piece Of Cake & A Bushel Of Produce!" a reality. I look forward to sharing this great news with my students and their parents after our Thanksgiving break. Your donations will provide materials that are developmentally appropriate and will allow children to expand their perception of numbers & math concepts.
The additional Smart Snacks sets will be instant hits and are sure to motivate everyone. Playing with gingerbread men and layer cakes may sound silly, but they work! The 1 to 10 Counting Cans, Count-a-Pig, and Goodie Games promote counting, number recognition, and sequencing. Sorting is an integral component of math and every other curricular area. The Farmer's Market Color Sorting Set, Rainbow Sorting Crayons, & Sorting Suitcase will build skills of comparison, classification, visual discrimination, and oral language.
I'm pleased that my students understand we use numbers for counting, but there's so much more! The games/activity sets you've generously provided will allow us to practice, refine, & enhance the core Pre-K math concepts of counting, sorting, ordering, number recognition . . . and we're just getting started! Thanks again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron and 2 other donors.Nutrition is Nifty in Pre-K!
Funded May 6, 2012Thanks to all of you who made "Nutrition is Nifty in Pre-K!" a reality. The contributions of family members and donors across the country were supplemented by Morning Joe and CutiesKids.
Games are one of my students' favorite activities, so they have enjoyed playing The Nutrition Mystery Lotto and Fruits & Vegetables Memory Match Game. The 'magic' of magnets has again succeeded in sparking interest and encouraging practice. The Magnetic Healthy Foods Placemat and Magnetic Sorting Board are utilized again and again by the children. With an increasingly diverse neighborhood, parents and students were excited to see the Multi-Ethnic Food Puzzles that reflect what they or their friends are eating at home. We're definitely on our way to nutritious and tasty dining!
The Dirt Devil has made a noticeable difference in our classroom. Sneezing, watery eyes, and tissue usage have all been reduced!
I am always touched by the willingness of Donors Choose contributors to generously support my young learners get off to a successful academic future. Thanks to your donations, they will be healthier, too!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by CutiesKids and 12 other donors.Manipulatives, Magnets, & Matching Are A Must In Pre-K!
Funded Jan 31, 2012I would like to thank everyone who made my project, "Manipulatives, Magnets,&Matching Are A Must In Pre-K," a reality. The materials your donations made possible have made a lasting impact in our classroom and my students are the big winners!
The Sorting Centers, Vocabulary Folder Games, Find It!, and Let's Go Shopping Counting Games have provided opportunities for students to work hands-on independently, with a partner, or in small groups. They also promote language in both English and Spanish. The various sets of counters have also stimulated language acquisition and production. The high-interest counters have motivated my students to invent all kinds of ways to creatively utilize these materials. The magnetic puzzles present a new dynamic and the children can't wait for their turn.
Hands-on materials build fine motor skills and develop the brain. Thank you all for providing so many exciting, didactic activities for my young learners. Your generosity is much appreciated!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 11 other donors.Creating A Computer Center For Pre-K
Funded Jan 31, 2012Thanks to all who made my project, "Creating A Computer Center For Pre-K," a reality. Your willingness to help my young learners get off to a great academic start is significant and we truly appreciate it.
Our equipment is accessible, supplies are organized, and all cords are safely tucked away. Students can now work side-by-side at a 'real' computer desk. They are able to collaborate and provide support to one another. The children are no longer hampered by cramped work space and it's a wonderful thing to see!
My students, their families, and I feel quite fortunate to know that our Computer Center was made possible through the generosity of individuals we don't know. Your kindness has made a difference in our classroom and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 21 other donors.