Past projects 4
Perspective with Books
Funded Jan 22, 2022We received our books and phonemic awareness resources two days ago and each day have used something from what was ordered. I can't thank you enough, from me and my students, for these amazing resources. They were needed additions to our classroom. Students went nuts wanting to read the biography books about Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson and so many others. I can't wait to hear what they learn. We have been learning about good citizens and what encompasses a good citizen. We had learned about Ruby Bridges earlier this year and read one of the picture books purchased that was about her. Students have thoroughly enjoyed learning about her. Small groups of students have used the mirrors to watch how their mouths are making vowel team phonemes. It is incredible seeing what they can learn if they can see what they are supposed to be doing as they make these sounds. Tomorrow I plan to use the pop-its in a phonics lesson where students are identifying and manipulating phonemes within a list of words. The list could go on. The impacts that have happened in a short amount of time are the things that help to shape young learners. I am so very appreciative of this money that has been set apart to help teachers and students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Warenski
This classroom project was brought to life by Munchkin and one other donor.Connecting to Cultures One Book at a Time
Funded Aug 20, 2020Our class is very appreciative of the money that was donated to fund amazing and important books for us to interact with, & that encourage thought provoking conversation and action.
Our book treasures are being used daily. Some of the ways will follow:
Through many discussions about being a good citizen, we read different sets of texts that shared ordinary citizens who made choices that led to and continue to lead to extraordinary changes we see happening around the world, in our nation, in our state, community, school, classroom and homes. Heroic people who did the very best they could with what they had. It has helped to create and aide an environment of "If not me, then who..."
We have used our books to learn about holidays celebrated around the world and have learned the significance of certain symbols, clothing, language, foods, music, etc. What a wonderful mind opening experience these books and other resources have helped to allow.
One of our favorites is a collection of folktales from around the world. There are about four stories that can be shared each month. We choose as a class and read one weekly. They have been interesting to share and learn from.
I believe strongly that when students are exposed to rich text, collaborative discussion happens. It lends to hearing perspectives from others and can allow for a willingness to shift a mindset.
I have a love of reading, learning and doing and I want to instill those things in my students. Thank you again! We appreciate our beautiful books!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Warenski
iWant, iNeed, iPads
Funded Nov 1, 2017I would like to express appreciation on behalf of my class for the supplies we had donated to our classroom this year. We received two iPads and UE Boom and we have used them nonstop. When these items were delivered to our classroom, I started to cry and my students screamed and cheered. The iPads are used every day during independent guided reading centers. While I read with small groups of students, other students are able to connect to certain sites for literacy intervention and apps that provide individualized instruction in phonics and students' specific reading level. Almost the whole class has access to a device allowing me to share technological resources that help to support students with their progress and success in literacy development.
Students have enjoyed scanning QR Codes linked to math problems that they solve in their math journals. They scan codes for read alouds that link to a site sharing books read by fluent readers. By adding these small changes to instruction, students are driven by the novelty of something new and different.
My class loves the camera and slideshow tools on the iPad to create what will be an end of year celebration slideshow. Students in my class feel empowered by being responsible digital citizens. They have earned trust and through this are able to access the many things they would like to with these devices.
Our UEBoom is used each week on Music Monday. Students are given a warm up song to get up and move. Throughout the week it is used to do something similar for short snippets of time. This has been a fun addition to our class. We have also used the speaker at field day, 2nd grade level activities and class parties.
Again I want to express my sincere appreciation to the donors who chose to give to our classroom. With these resources new and exciting doors have been opened a little more.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Warenski
iWant, iNeed, iPads
Funded Oct 27, 2016Thank you for funding our project for two classroom iPads! My students were thrilled and I cried out of appreciation. It has opened up doors to new possibilities that weren't previously available to my students. It is neat to see them gain skills that will help them in the future, and this grant has helped to make that happen.
Some of the best parts to having this new technology is that students can access educational apps that will expand their learning. Throughout the day, students use the iPads in practicing sight words, handwriting, adding, subtracting, and utilizing other 2nd grade educational apps. In addition to using apps, we have been utilizing the iPads as e-readers which allows us to use online books during reading centers. It has been a great way for students to choose reading material that interests, listen, and follow along with the narrator. Several students that are below grade level in reading, or unable to read books on their own, are now able to listen to online books and be exposed to grade level texts. We have used them for picture slideshows and filming of class reader's theater presentations. We have enjoyed QR Code scanning math activities and coding in general, which opens the door to jobs they could have in their futures.
Our school has licenses for Imagine Learning, Raz-Kids and MyOn Reading and the iPads have allowed the students to utilize these programs for individualized reading. Our class loves having access to digital libraries that consist of thousands books, texts, and articles; using these different reading apps on our new iPads enhance their reading experience. Effective learning happens when students are engaged and interested; the students love to use the iPads to access reading material that is individualized to their interests.
We are so appreciative of your donation and cannot wait to see what other opportunities present themselves as the students continue to explore and learn in the coming months.
Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Warenski