Past projects 13
Creating Dynamic Learning Environments with Flexible Seating
Funded Aug 14, 2024Thank you so much for your generosity for making this project come to life. Donors like you make a difference. Each classroom will now have additional seating options for all students to enjoy. We are grateful for your donation and can’t wait to add these options to classrooms. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.More Star Books for Star Readers!
Funded Nov 27, 2018Thank you all again for adding to our library collection! These story books help build my students' love of reading. That love of reading will always be with them!
Since the beginning of the year, my students have continued to develop their skills in story book reading. More intonation! More accuracy! More story book language! More fun!
They like to grab a story book from their book bin, find a comfy spot in our room, and read. They love it even more when they're with a partner.
Again, I can't thank you enough for believing in my students and in me!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 7 other donors.Star Books For Star Readers
Funded Jul 14, 2015Thank you so much for your generosity!
During the first month of school, my students listened to me read these books over and over. We read them for fun. We read them to identify for characters. We read them to figure out the setting. We read them to see how the pictures matched the words. And we read them because we enjoyed them. They loved these books!
During the second month of school, these special "star" books were part of their book bins for reader's workshop. I covered all of the book bins with fabric and told them that I had a surprise for them. Of course, they were extremely excited. I dramatically pulled off the fabric and they cheered. One by one, I took each of the brand new books out and showed them. They asked if each group was getting the star books. I happily said, "Of course!" Over the next month, my students developed their storybook reading skills. Each reader's workshop began with a mini-lesson that focused on a skill or behavior for students to try out by themselves or with a partner. They loved trying out these new skills and behaviors with our star books.
These star books made reader's workshop so special for me and my students. I can't wait to use the books for next year! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
Science Comes to Life!
Funded Mar 7, 2014Our students were thrilled and excited about the resources they received during their weekend experience at AstroCamp. For most of our students, this was the first time they have ever left the inner city of Los Angeles and their families. Some of them were nervous about leaving, but quickly forgot about leaving home as soon as we pulled up to our campsite. They had an amazing experience filled with fun and laughter each and every day. They learned a lot about science while gaining an experience of a lifetime. Most of our students said, "This is one fieldtrip they will never forget."
The resources we were given aligned with our fifth grade standards and were used at AstroCamp. Astrocamp included a hands-on participation in their experimental labs that included astronomy, solar studies, atmosphere & gases, Mars expedition lab, light & lasers, micrometeorites, planetarium, microgravity, and electricity & magnetism. The program also had a unique cooperation component that included different adventures and team building activities. Our students were able to learn about microgravity through a hands-on experience. They were also given the opportunity to zip line across the field. This activity was a fan favorite among the entire class. They learned how to make and build rockets. After they learned how to build them, their instructors had a rocket-launching contest between all the students. The children enjoyed watching their peer's rockets launch as far as it could in the sky. Another activity they enjoyed was astronaut training. Astronaut training was a team building activity where they trained like astronauts in the water. For most of our students, the astronaut training was the first time they ever stepped foot inside a pool. This activity gave them the opportunity and experience to go swimming in the pool while learning about science at the same time. As a fifth grader, our students learn about planets because it is one of our standards. During our stay, our students were able to learn a large amount about Mars. The kids were given a hands-on experience by rock climbing on the red planet, Mars. Also, students they were given the opportunity to participate in a nighttime exploration activity. The instructors led the classes and they guided students' learning and activities. Students spent the night in a dormitory located on the campgrounds.
This experience boosted our teaching and student learning because during our stay at AstroCamp, our students were immersed in three days of hands-on science experimentation, projects, and group learning. Additionally the Astrocamp Outdoor Science Camp program contains a cooperation component, which is critical as students develop and socialize in the fifth grade. Also, Astrocamp utilizes a hands-on approach to learning about science, which is aligned to and directly addresses the fifth grade California science content standards. After our trip, I will assess the impact of the project based on the results of pre- and post-tests created by the fifth grade team as well as by resources provided by Astrocamp. Additionally students' learning will be assessed informally during their science exploration activities as they demonstrate their prior knowledge and apply it to solve problems.”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 47 other donors.iPad Mini for Maximum Fun V.2
Funded Sep 16, 2013"We have tablets?!?!? Are they for us?!?!?" My students were so excited when they saw the pad minis! They couldn't believe that they were going to get to use them during reading time.
My students use the pad minis to practice high frequency words, phonological awareness (like rhyming, oral word segmenting, initial sound sorting with pictures), sound to letter relationships, building words, and word sorting. They get immediate feedback on all of their work with the apps they use! I also put the Guided Reading books that students are working on for the week on the minis and I narrate the book. The students now have a read aloud for their focus book of the week!
The pad minis motivate my students and help them learn through fast-paced, interactive, and responsive games. I am able to customize many of the apps to match my focus and I know that not only are my students engaged in an independent activity, but they are learning!
All of this couldn't have been done without you! My students and I give you big thanks for our minis! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
iPad mini for maximum fun
Funded Aug 27, 2013"We have tablets?!?!? Are they for us?!?!?" My students were so excited when they saw the iPad minis! They couldn't believe that they were going to get to use them during reading time.
My students use the iPad minis to practice high frequency words, phonological awareness (like rhyming, oral word segmenting, initial sound sorting), sound to letter relationships, and word sorting. They get immediate feedback on all of their work with the apps they use! I also put the Guided Reading books that students are working on for the week on the minis and I narrate the book. The students now have a read aloud for their focus book of the week!
The iPad minis motivate my students and help them learn through fast-paced, interactive, and responsive games. I am able to customize many of the apps to match my focus and I know that not only are my students engaged in an independent activity, but they are learning!
All of this couldn't have been done without you! My students and I give you big thanks for our minis! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 4 other donors.Let's Listen to Stories!
Funded Jan 30, 2012Thank you so much for your generosity and support. My students loved the MP3 players this year. Every day, they would listen to a repeated reading passage or a book at their independent reading level. They would get so excited when it was their turn to read and listen.
Having four different MP3 players allowed me to better organize the technology component of our reading program. Repeated readings lead to increased accuracy and comprehension and I can't wait to use these players with my students next year!”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 7 other donors.Science Comes to Life!
Funded Feb 22, 2012Wow! This was such an incredible experience! Words cannot fully express how grateful the students, teachers, and I are for your generosity and for being a player in helping us go to AstroCamp.
Every aspect of this adventure was phenomenal! From the moment the students boarded the buses, with tears and cheers for their manifesting adventure, it was clear that this was going to be an unforgettable experience. The students' successes and growth were marked by their looks of determination, faces of joy, squeals of excitement, and words of appreciation.
They built and launched rockets hundreds of feet into the air, designed and built Mars rovers strong enough to withstand a crash landing, zipped across a meadow 50 feet above the ground, froze and blew up all sorts of things, and trained just like astronauts. Surrounded by the beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains and the students ran and played outdoors and took night hikes. They felt taken care of in their comfortable dorms and were fed delicious homemade food. I know for a fact that this experience has impacted them in a truly powerful way.
Again, the students and I sincerely thank you for making this happen. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
New Readers Need More Books!
Funded Dec 3, 2011I am so grateful for the generous donations that everyone made. My students have more books to read because of you! They read the books you donated every day! Having a variety of interesting, independent level books is so important for a well-balanced reading program.
I think one of the reasons my students are so excited about reading is because of the selection they have when choosing a book. Everything looks good to them!
We just finished a writing piece on animals and we were able to use many of the books that you purchased. As they were learning to read, they were reading to learn. So amazing! Without donors like you, our classroom library would not be as wonderful as it is. Thank you thank you thank you! ”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 3 other donors.Every 1st Grader Needs Some Seuss and Carle!
Funded Mar 5, 2011The school year recently came to an end. I asked my students what their favorite memory of first grade was. "I liked when I read the Eric Carle books." "I liked when we always got to read Dr. Seuss." "I liked when I learned to read." "I liked how funny the Fly Guy books were." "I liked reading." If I didn't promote literacy through a variety of books, I don't know if I would have had those responses. I wouldn't have the variety of books we do without you.
I appreciate your generosity and belief in our students so much. I see a huge part of my job as providing as many opportunities as possible for students to LOVE reading. The books you provided helped me do that. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for helping my students love to read! ”
With gratitude,
Ms. T.
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 11 other donors.