Past projects 2
Sweep Us Off Our Feet with A New Meeting Rug
Funded Oct 31, 2024I am beyond grateful for your generous support through DonorsChoose, which has allowed us to enhance our classroom environment in meaningful ways. One of the most exciting additions to our space has been a beautiful large area rug that features natural tones and individual circles for each student. This rug has been a game changer for our group meetings. It helps define each student's personal space, making it easier for them to focus and engage during lessons. The visual boundaries created by the rug have not only improved students' understanding of personal space but also brought a sense of calm and order to our classroom.
The students absolutely love their new rug. They were so excited to pick their own spots, and it has quickly become a favorite part of our classroom. Beyond group meetings, they also use the individual circles during playtime, especially when building with blocks. The soft texture of the rug even has a practical benefit—it dampens the sound of the blocks on the hard floor, making the space quieter and more pleasant for everyone.
We're also thrilled to begin using the small pond-themed rug, which was part of your generous donation. This rug will be introduced into our dramatic play area as we explore our next unit on wind and water. It will provide a fun and imaginative setting for students to engage with the books and activities related to these themes. I can already envision the creativity that will unfold as students reenact stories and explore the concepts in a hands-on way.
Thank you once again for your incredible contribution. Your support has had a lasting impact on our classroom, creating a more engaging and comfortable space for my students to learn and grow. We are excited for the next steps and grateful for everything you've made possible.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Yanni
Building Imagination in the Block Area
Funded Sep 8, 2024I wanted to take a moment to share the incredible impact your generous contributions have had in our classroom. Since introducing the new resources, my students have been thriving through various hands-on projects, particularly focusing on fine & gross motor skills and creative exploration.
One specific project involved stacking and building structures that relate to their environment. Using the natural wood color blocks, the children have been enhancing their bilateral coordination while learning to collaborate and share ideas. It's been wonderful to see their creativity flourish as they add colored blocks, transforming their structures into vibrant representations of their thoughts and experiences.
When my students first saw the new materials, their excitement was palpable. They immediately dove in, eager to explore and experiment. This enthusiasm has not only fostered individual engagement but has also encouraged teamwork as they learn to share the materials and support each other's ideas.
Looking ahead, we are planning a gradual rollout of different types of blocks that will reflect our ongoing lessons in each of our six units: Family, Friends, Wind & Water, World of Color, Shadows & Reflections, and Things That Grow. Each new type of block will provide opportunities for deeper exploration and understanding of these themes, allowing the children to connect their learning with their creative play.
Thank you once again for your support. Your contributions are making a meaningful difference in our classroom, and I can't wait to share more of our journey with you as we continue to explore and learn together!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Yanni