Past projects 8
Rolling Out Reading Rug for Remarkable Readers
Funded Aug 4, 2024The classroom rug we received through the "Rolling Out the Reading Rug for Remarkable Readers" project has truly transformed our learning environment. It has become a central gathering place where students feel comfortable and engaged during reading and discussions. With its inviting design, the rug encourages a sense of community and belonging.
During our reading sessions, students love to sit on the rug, creating a cozy atmosphere that fosters collaboration and interaction. It's amazing to see them share their thoughts and feelings about the stories we explore together. The rug has also inspired more group activities, making it easier for students to work together on projects and discussions.
I've noticed particular students, who may need different working spaces, stepping forward and taking control of their learning by asking to sit in a space they can do their best work. This newfound confidence is a direct reflection of the warm and welcoming space the rug provides.
In addition, it has created a sense of responsibility as students have worked hard to keep it clean for "future classes to enjoy".
Thank you for contributing to this enriching experience that has enhanced our classroom and inspired a love of learning!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
Diverse Horizons: Nurturing Cultural Understanding with Picture Books
Funded May 22, 2024Your donation has had a profound impact on my class. The new picture books not only sparked a genuine interest in reading but also allowed my students to see themselves and others in the stories, fostering empathy and cultural understanding. Reading in our classroom is now vibrant and engaging, with students eagerly exploring our library. At the end of our school day, we reflect on the highs and lows. One student shared that a high was quiet reading time with the new books!
I've seen particular students light up as they connect with diverse characters, sharing their own experiences and excitedly discussing what they've read. Specifically, one particular book created an interest in one student that did not know what stories they liked to read. Now, they have a complete series to read through once they finish book one!
Thank you for making this transformative experience possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
Snacks to Support Our Super Brains!
Funded Feb 7, 2024Thank you for your donations that made this project possible! Your contribution has made a significant impact on our learning environment, and I wanted to share with you the positive outcomes we've observed. When the students first saw the materials for the snack project, their reactions were truly wonderful. There was a sense of excitement and gratitude as they knew what to expect for snack for the next month or two! With these snacks, my students have been able to get a midday boost to best prepare them for their mathematics and writing blocks.
The impact of this project on our class has been profound. By ensuring that every student has access to snacks without any distinction, we have created a more equitable and supportive learning environment.
Moreover, the availability of snacks has had a tangible effect on our classroom dynamics. During snack breaks, students engage in conversations, share stories, and build positive relationships with their peers. This social interaction not only enhances their sense of belonging but also fosters a supportive and inclusive community within our class.
Overall, your contribution to this project has made a significant difference in the lives of our students. It has not only addressed a practical need but also uplifted spirits and created a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. On behalf of myself and all the students, I want to thank you once again for your kindness and generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
Fueling Our Focus Through Foods and Fidgets!
Funded Nov 8, 2023Thank you for all of your wonderful contributions! It has made such an impact on our classroom. With these resources, I have noticed an increased in engagement during our math block and literacy centers.
My students were so excited when I told them that all of you donors helped make snack happen in our classroom! Every morning, we review the schedule for the day. Once I conclude this review, I ask students if there are any questions. "What's for snack today?" is one of our most popular questions.
In addition, with these fidgets, I have noticed an increase in attention when completing tasks such as math work, independent writing, or word work. These fidgets have also become tools during my small group with my multilingual learners that are focusing on learning their letter sounds.
Thank you for all your support in my classroom! Donors like you make a huge difference!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
Classroom Comfort: Relax, Write, Focus!
Funded Sep 27, 2023Thank you so much for all your donations! This has made such a difference in my classroom. Through these tools, my students have been able to take an active role in creating a space of focus for themselves.
With these noise cancelling headphones, each student has the ability to use a pair when they need complete silence to aid them in focusing on their work. In our class we have utilized the clipboards daily in small groups, during picture walks, and various other activities. It has opened up new opportunities for my students to fully make use of their classroom space.
A goal of mine this year is to help aid my students in making decisions to benefit their academic selves. With these tools, I have already seen an increase in independence as they decide when they need to find the tools and space that will best support their work. I am incredibly proud of my students and this would not have been possible without your support! We are so grateful to for every donation made!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Books as Windows, Mirrors, and Doors
Funded Sep 11, 2023Thank you for all your support. A goal of mine for this year is to help create a joy for reading within my students. To make this happen, they all need books that represent who they are and provide insight into experiences familiar and new to them. With these books, students can get lost in learning about the world or discovering new fictional worlds! These are interesting and engaging books we use for read alouds, small group lessons, social emotional learning, and independent reading time.
One specific time that my students have expressed an increased joy for reading was during a literacy skill lesson using these books. Students were drawing out the theme and the amount of excited chatter showed me how devoted they were to understanding various aspects of the story due to these representative literary works.
Thank you for all your support making my classroom a positive space.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and one other donor.Let's Make Art'tory: Painting for Joy!
Funded Aug 21, 2023Thank you for all your support in providing such crucial art supplies for our classroom. It is a personal value of mine to create space for every learner to be represented and supported through various learning mediums. This project helped create access for my visual learners and multilingual students to express their knowledge in a manner that is authentic to them and their needs.
Additionally, my class does not have art as a specialist this year. Due to this, I plan to create as many learning opportunities for my students to learn about the artistic process and art techniques. Art is necessary for all ages and I hope to create and/or maintain their love of art.
So far this year, we have used the paint to create a classroom agreement that my students created on their own! They felt so incredibly proud to be able to add such an important piece to our classroom. In the future, we will be using these materials for our social studies projects focusing on Indigenous Nations and creating visual representations for their animal research writing projects.
Once again, thank you for all your support. I would not be able to create a space like this without your generous help!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson
This classroom project was brought to life by Johnson Ohana Foundation and 2 other donors.Booking it Towards the Beginning of the Year!
Funded Aug 20, 2023Thank you for all your support through this project! My students are able to have access to a library full of relevant books that they are interested in. Specifically, many of my students love reading the Amulet series. They often get hooked on the first book and I feel fortunate to be able to provide them with seven more books they can devour! By having interesting books that align with students interests helps them find entry points into reading lessons. This is crucial to building a future of readers. Furthermore, in order to make our classroom a space in which there is a joy cultivated for reading, students have 20 minutes each day with floor pillows to focus on reading. It is a special time in our classroom.
With these picture books, we have been able to delve into conversations that address students experiences and identities in a positive and impactful manner. From these books, I have seen students have the tools to navigate various social interactions with language from these stories.
Thank you for all your help and your donation!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Williamson