Past projects 4
Creative Minds Work Best in Healthy Bodies
Funded Aug 14, 2024Thank you for generously providing funds to build Phil the Filter! Phil will work hard to keep our air healthy in the classroom. This will help all of us stay healthy and focused on learning. Phil will even get a clean set of filters mid-year due to your kind gifts.
I am so appreciative of your care and support!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Moore
This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 5 other donors.Creative, Calm Classroom!
Funded Mar 3, 2024My students used to complain daily about the bright overhead lights. Since the new blue light covers have been in place, there has not been even a single complaint! We now have a calm, softly-lit environment that is conducive to learning thanks to your generous donation.
Students have been using the new markers and highlighters frequently to show their understanding in creative ways. In the slideshow you will see just a few examples of how we use highlighters to pick out key terms, and how students show understanding by creating a variety of drawn and written work. Being able to show their learning visually is especially important for my students who are in the process of becoming proficient in English. However, all my students were very excited when the new writing/drawing implements arrived!
I am truly grateful for your willingness to support education and that you chose to fund this particular project. While the markers and highlighters will surely get used up, the light coverings will remind me of your generosity for years to come, as hundreds of students benefit from the environment you have helped create.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Moore
World War II from Multiple Perspectives: Building on Success
Funded Mar 4, 2024WWII Book Circles was a huge success! When I asked them to reflect, 98% percent of my students said they would recommend doing this project again in the future. Their reasons showed that the project's goals of having students read, explore multiple perspectives, go beyond the curriculum, think deeply, and work collaboratively to present their learning were all met!
Here are some comments from student reflections: "This was a fun way to make me want to read because I don't want to let my teammates down." "I felt it gave me a good and deeper understanding of WWII." "The book circles were good to see the other perspectives during the war." "It is a fun way to learn about WWII that makes you think." "I learned about teamwork and problem solving. I learned how to work well with others on a project." "I loved seeing all of the diverse ways of learning." "This was very fun and challenging. I loved it!"
Students were grouped by book choice, which resulted in a wonderful "mixer" of students. Several commented that they were surprised at how much they enjoyed working with different teammates than they usually choose. Each team made their own reading goals, held each other accountable, and had book discussions most weeks. We even managed to read and meet outside a few times! After completing their books, each team designed a full 20-30 minute lesson. This required creativity, teamwork, and project planning. Students wrote and performed songs and raps, and created PowerPoints, games and interactive activities, including a role play of a court martial trial, "one word," where students summarize an event in one word (see photos) and "sides of the room," where students take and defend a position in a fluid mini-debate. All students fully participated in both the teaching and learning.
I wish you all could have seen the reading and lessons in person, but hope this gives you a taste of how meaningful WWII Book Circles was to our classes. Thank you for making this incredible learning experience possible--this year and for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Moore
Not Just for Soldiers: World War II from Multiple Perspectives
Funded Aug 14, 2022Thank you for funding "Not Just for Soldiers: World War II from Multiple Perspectives." Your donations provided books that will be used by students for many years to come!
An important skill we are learning in history is to view events from multiple perspectives. Your support enabled students to choose a book that shared how individuals who were part of certain groups (Jews, African Americans, Japanese Americans, and scientists) experienced World War II. In the future, I hope to expand the choices to include the Navajo Code Talkers--perhaps you will see another Donors Choose for that purpose!
Last spring, students worked in small groups of "book circles." They planned out how many pages they would read each week, and then met weekly to discuss their book using open-ended questions provided by me, as well as posing and answering questions of their own. It was incredible to observe the ownership students took of their progress and learning!
Once students completed their book, each group planned, designed, and presented a lesson to share their learning with the class. I wish you could have seen the creativity and insights the students shared!
I asked students to reflect on their experience with the "book circles" and asked them if I should do this again with future students. The overwhelming answer was that I definitely should! From my perspective, I whole-heatedly agree, as the students did an incredible job and learned so much!
Thanks again for providing the books that made this valuable learning experience possible--and which will continue to provide this opportunity to many years of future students!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Moore
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 8 other donors.