Mrs. Nolasco's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 3

• "The Emotions Journey"

  Funded Dec 16, 2023

  I would like share some of our most special moments during social emotional learning. The social emotional learning groups as well as the individual time with my students is an amazing learning experience. And the learning activities obtained through donors choose has been an extremely helpful tool in helping our students expand their knowledge in social emotional learning. I can honestly say that these activities are helping our students not only gain knowledge on how to manage their emotions, but more so how and when to apply the coping strategies. For example, the "Grab & Write" social-emotional prompts. This is an exceptional game developed for grades 3-5. In this specific game, the students learn about the process to follow in given situations, and how to create a positive solution in a time of need. The prompts include scenarios such as understanding others, understanding myself, making good decisions, and how to maintain self-control. When we play the "Grab & Write" game, the students transition into the scenarios making it their own. Another resourceful tool, which we got through donors choose was the "social emotional learning" journal notebooks. As I discuss with my students, having a journal is the best strategy to help keep record of your feelings/emotions. I tell students that journals are a true reflection of "you."

  When the student's first saw the new materials, they expressed major happiness and excitement. Some of the students conveyed gratitude to Donors Choose for having this type of program, which shows so much caring for the future and well-being of all children.

  My next project will involve doing end-of-year activities. We're getting closer towards the end of the school year, and while this means happiness for many students being promoted to the next grade. It's also sadness too many students that will be transitioning to middle school. During this time of year, I ask the students to do the end of the year reflections, and we go around the group members talking about their experiences with the group meetings. During this time a lot is shared, and students talk about their most inner emotions, whether happy, sad, exciting and/or nostalgic. As I explained to the students, at the end of the day, it's all to do about real life experiences....”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Nolasco

• My Students Hold the Key to Their Mental Power

  Funded Sep 8, 2023

  Thank you so much for your contribution to our educational project. Your contribution made it possible that we get the write & wipe table together with the seat cushions. The smiling faces throughout the classroom enlightens my heart. Especially that the students look so happy, this feeling is priceless to me. Once again, thank you for your generosity and for showing my students that you care about their mental well-being.

  I don't have words to express the happiness that all my students felt when seeing the table and seat cushions for the first time. Just by looking at they're facial expressions it melted my heart. They're facial expressions as well as their verbal expressions were of much happiness and excitement. Especially that they can freely write on their write & wipe table without the need to worry that they might be destroying school property.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Nolasco

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 5 other donors.

• Social Emotional Learning vs Negative Thoughts

  Funded Oct 13, 2022

  My students and I are extremely grateful that Donors Choose helped provide PS 81 with the funds to purchase the wobble chairs for the Social Emotional Learning Classroom. Wobble Chairs allow each student to sit and feel comfortable without feeling restricted or distracting others. Unlike conventional chairs, Wobble Chairs are centered and allow the student to sit and move around without distracting others or falling from the chair. It's a huge help to my students that are fidgety because it helps them to sit upright but they still can move around while sitting their chair. One thing, I have noticed is my student's increased involvement in group lessons and concentration in their schoolwork. The group discussions as well as the social emotional learning activities with my students are so much more enthusiastic and motivating.

  Initially, the students were unsure but once they sat and tried the chairs, they realized how comfortable they were! The students were happy and really enjoyed moving around on their chairs. It was very special and humbling to see my students that struggle with being still and feeling awkward; feel relaxed and at ease.

  The next step in my classroom is to continue to help children broaden their social emotional learning experience. As a school social worker, one of my assignments is to keep having conversations with the students about social-emotional learning activities and teaching them to manage their emotions. I also teach with them on how to use their coping skills to combat their day-to-day challenges. I've witnessed that numerous students have improved their way of thinking and making better decisions. SEL involves a more diverse curriculum, and the wobble chairs are just a start in the right direction. The SEL curriculum is set to help the students develop self-awareness, self-control, and helps expand their interpersonal skills. Our students are becoming better at communicating and managing their stressors and everyday challenges.

  To all the supporters that made this wish come true a big THANK YOU! Your generosity is appreciated and the difference it has made is PRICELESS.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Nolasco