Make Learning Fun and Engaging!

Funded Apr 10, 2023

Thank you for your generous contribution to our "Make Learning Fun and Engaging" Donors Choose project. It is wonderful to receive support from such caring and kindhearted people. I am beyond grateful! I have kept my promise to make learning fun and engaging for my scholars. The items received have been in heavy rotation as we have been using them daily. The materials you have provided my students will improve their foundational reading and math skills and cultivate a love of learning. I love these games and activities because they allow me to be efficient with my instruction time. I can set up activities quickly and get started right away. This is extremely beneficial since there is a lot of material to cover on a given day. My goal this year is to strengthen foundational reading and math skills and foster independence. With these activities, this goal is achievable.

Although they enjoy all of the items, I think the overall favorites for all of the students are the Splash Math games, CVC and Phonics activities, and the MONEY! The Splash Learning games are a big hit with all of the students. The students get excited and cheer every time I pull these activities out. Their faces light up and they are eager to play. Even though the math facts may be challenging at times, the students persevere. Often, the students seek a challenge and say "Give me a hard one. I want a hard one." This is so rewarding to see. Also, these activities have been great team-building activities that help scholars feel more connected and collaborate more effectively.

The CVC/Phonics activities are great! I have noticed that many students are gaining confidence in their reading abilities. One student remarked, "My reading is getting better. I can read more words now." This particular student brought this confidence to a recent Reading Literacy test. He was focused throughout the testing process and proud of the work he was doing. Previously, this student struggled when taking reading tests. At times, he would get frustrated and cry. However, after completing the most recent Reading Literacy test, this student scored near standard. He was very proud. You helped to make this happen. Thank you!

The money is another classroom favorite. The students love counting their money, showing off how much they have earned, and trading in smaller amounts of money for larger bills. Having the classroom cash has strengthened the students' money management skills. My scholars enjoy budgeting their money and planning ahead when they are interested in buying a particular item from our classroom store. Students are excited to be store managers so that they can count and exchange money. I notice their ability to accurately count money has improved. Students used to struggle to count money (e.g., counting each bill as one dollar), but now they can accurately count their money more independently. I appreciate having the classroom cash because I can praise the students more often without worrying about whether or not I will run out of money.

Again, thank you for your generosity. You have helped to create an inclusive environment in which students with learning disabilities are not intimidated by the challenges of learning but instead find joy and happiness when learning. The materials you have provided have made learning engaging and fun and have enhanced my students' educational journey.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Parker