Past projects 7
This Teacher Needs a System - Wilson Reading System!
Funded May 7, 2024I am so thrilled that this project was funded! These materials will help me connect intervention instruction to what students are receiving with their classroom teachers. Having words and sentences that go along with each phonics pattern already prepared will allow me to spend more time designing engaging learning opportunities for my students. Thank you so much for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.Decodable Readers for Older Learners!
Funded Dec 4, 2023I am so thrilled to have these new decodable books to use with students. I primarily work with upper elementary age students who are still learning how to decode and read fluently. It has been so helpful to have additional texts they can use to practice decoding the patterns I am teaching them.
For one of my groups in particular, the engaging story lines in the series have been such a draw. Each time we finish a book, my students eagerly ask to read the next book in the series. In addition to fostering increased engagement in reading, these books have also been helping students to talk more about their reading. Students are more invested in the characters and can talk about how characters change over-time, or what problems they face and how they solve them.
My students, as well as other reading teachers at my school, are really enjoying have these decodable books to read. We appreciate your donations so much!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul
This classroom project was brought to life by A family that cares about Boston and 13 other donors.Reading With a Twist: Using iPads as a Reading Resource
Funded Dec 18, 2014Thank you so much for donating to this project. It has been wonderful having a new resource to use with my students. They are enjoying being able to practice reading and learn sight words using this new technology. It is motivating and fun for them to use the apps and games, while at the same time strengthening and reinforcing concepts they have learned.
From an organizational standpoint, having this iPad has been a huge help for me while teaching. I am able to use the Evernote app to record notes about my students' progress. It's so great not to have a bulky laptop at the table when we are working. I also have been using a fantastic app to taking reading records on my students. Previously, I was using pencil and paper to do this. Having the iPad has cut down on so much paper over the past few months. It has also been helpful to be able to organize all of these student files in folders so that I have all the information I need at my fingertips.
Your generosity has already made such a difference in our classroom. I am looking forward to finding new apps and resources that I can continue to use to support my students' learning. Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul
Horseshoes Bring More Than Good Luck when Reading!
Funded Aug 18, 2014Thank you so much for funding my project for a new horseshoe table. We have only been using it for a short amount of time, but it is already making a difference!
It was so much fun to see the look on my students' faces when they came into the reading room the day the table was delivered. I see seven different groups of students each day, ranging from grades 1-5, but each reaction was the same - "Wow! Look at the new table!," followed by a huge smile!
We have so much more space when we are all sitting together, yet the shape of the table allows me to get closer to students when I listen to them read. I no longer need to get up and walk around the table to listen to them, which was quite tricky to do in our small room.
Thank you for giving me the tools I needed to deliver quality reading instruction to my wonderful students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul
Materials to Bring Our Faith Ringgold Author Study to Life!
Funded Oct 25, 2013Thank you all so much for your generous donations to our Faith Ringgold Author Study project. One of my favorite things to do as a teacher is to introduce my students to new authors and illustrators. The materials we received from this project really helped me to do that.
Having multiple copies of these books made it possible for students to really see the beautiful illustrations that Faith Ringgold creates. It also allowed students to read the books together again in small groups. Seeing the video about Faith Ringgold's life and how she creates her artwork really inspired my students. The beautiful quilt squares they created are still hanging in our classroom!
With your help, I was able to introduce a new author and illustrator to my students. I know that they will always remember this experience. Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul
This classroom project was brought to life by an anonymous donor and 5 other donors.We Need a Document Camera
Funded Mar 31, 2012Thank you so much for your donations to our Document Camera. We have been using it for the past two months and I really don't know how I ever taught without one! Having this new technology has helped our classroom in many ways. First of all, it makes the process of showing student work so much faster. Instead of my students having to write what they did on the white board, we can just put it under the camera and project it. This leaves more time for students to discuss the work and more time for other students to show their work as well.
I also feel that having the Document Camera has increased my students' motivation and has improved the quality of their work. They know that only students who have shown careful and thoughtful work will be able to share.
Technology such as Document Cameras, projectors and Smart Boards are a regular part of instruction in most suburban schools. There is no reason why my students should not have the same access. Thank you so much for your help.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul
Magic Carpet Ride Across the Map
Funded Dec 1, 2011Thank you all so much for your donations toward our new classroom rug. It has made such a difference in our classroom.
Now, when I call my students to the rug to share a story or teach a lesson, everyone has a spot on the rug. I no longer need to have students sitting on chairs or a bench behind the rug. Because the rug is bigger than our old one, my students have more space when we gather together - this means fewer arguments over personal space! We've also been using our rug to help reinforce some of the concepts we are learning in Social Studies. When it's time to go back to our seats, instead of calling out their group name, I say the name of a continent or a hemisphere and if the students are sitting on it, they know it is their turn to move.
It is so important for all students to have a beautiful and interactive space to learn in. Your donations have helped me provide this for my students.
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With gratitude,
Ms. Ainsley Paul