A Welcoming Classroom Creates Welcoming Learners'

Funded Jul 21, 2023

Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated by my students and me. I am so grateful that our project was funded and to see the success my students are having from the materials is incredible. The materials that were donated to our classroom have enhanced our learning in variety of ways. When students first walked into our classroom they were very excited to learn about the flexible seating choices which included the foam leafs, small cushioned chairs, and the wiggle feet. We call our flexible seating the cozy spots. Students enjoy having an alternative option to sitting at their table and completing our daily activities. The wiggle feet are helping my students that have busy bodies to focus better during our instructional time because they are able to still have constant movement. Other materials that the children are enjoying during instructional time are the pop-its. We utilize them during small groups and in our centers. They are helping us to learn the letters of the alphabet and recognize the quantities that numbers represent.

One project that our students enjoy most, is during our writing block they are able to write about and share their experiences of things they enjoy. However, what makes this time so special for these kiddos is the use of people crayons. Students are thrilled when they see that they have the ability to draw characters that look themselves and their family members. They feel that they belong in their pictures and they know that they are valued in our classroom community.

A resource that we will be utilizing soon is our number tiles. These are going to be utilized during a lesson where the children are going to have to determine ways they can make a number. For example, if I told the students that I could make the number 8 by using the numbers five and three then they would use their number tiles to show the equation 5+3=8. These tiles are a great manipulative for teaching addition and subtraction and I can't wait for the kiddos to get their hands on them. Thank you for the gracious support you gave to my project. The materials donated are creating an environment where kids feel safe to learn and explore the challenges that education can present. Your donation will continue to change the lives of the students in my room.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Padgett