Past projects 5
Finally! We Are Back in the Classroom!
Funded Nov 10, 2021My students LOVE the new materials! The materials arrived just before Christmas in time for an early Christmas surprise!
They are learning to count and understand one-to-one correspondence with picture puzzles getting hands-on practice with numbers 1-10. The children are developing fine motor control, sorting skills and eye/hand coordination with the engaging materials provided: Tweezer Tongs Color Sorting Kit, Squish & Squeeze Sensory Beads and the Dot Art Painters. Finally, my 3rd grade students are discovering the geography of the U.S.A. through a puzzle map of the states - a colorful, engaging activity that makes learning fun!
My students especially love making shapes and figures with the different colored Squish & Squeeze Sensory Beads. You should see their faces as they squish and squeeze!!!
The next step for my students is getting all of them back in the classroom for more hands-on learning.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Johnston
This classroom project was brought to life by #TeachHealthy with Nature Made and 4 other donors.Hands-On Activities through Distance Learning
Funded Dec 19, 2020I can't thank you enough for your generosity and the kindness you have shared with me and my students by donating to my project. I was able to provide some of my students with interactive reading books that are laminated and made with Velcro removable pieces individualized to their specific learning needs. I was able to give students hands-on activities to learn consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words in a fun way at home. We used whiteboards, whiteboard markers and magnetic letters to interact while on zoom.
My students' parents, especially, are thankful for the supplies that I was able to distribute to them during distance learning, such as the reams of paper. This last year has been challenging for us all and I appreciate the difference you have made in the lives of my students.
Your support means so much, not only to me, but to the kids you are helping and their families. Thank you from all of us.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Johnston
This classroom project was brought to life by FamilyAlbum and 16 other donors.Literacy for Life!
Funded Nov 28, 2016Thank you again for your generous donation of reading materials and books to my students. Reading is so important because it develops the mind. Students need materials they are interested in at their age/grade appropriate level to encourage them to read for enjoyment and understanding. When they have a wide variety of texts and topics to choose from, they are more motivated to pick up a book and read for pleasure, information or general understanding. The books you have provided for my students are interesting and engaging.
Our students are required to read a book of their choosing for sustained silent reading (SSR) every day and write a journal entry about what they read. The point is to encourage students to read a lot and read often. Students get to choose what to read (I now have a wide variety of choices at their reading level) and the hope is that reading is its own reward. They are not tested on the material, no questions and no dictionary work, simply write a journal entry about their thoughts. The reading is individual and silent - at whatever speed they are comfortable with.
In particular, my students with moderate/severe learning challenges are gaining benefits from the compelling reading materials beyond just reading. Some of the benefits are: better language skills or ability to speak. Reading opens the imagination and the world is seen through different eyes and develops their creative side. Also, the more students read, the better students write. Finally, my students' self-esteem has improved which creates and sustains motivation to read more!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Johnston
Every Child Deserves a Voice
Funded Aug 26, 2015Thank you so much for donating an Apple iPad2 and keyboard to help my students with special needs learn in an inclusive setting with their typical peers. The iPad and keyboard have been very stimulating to my students. They have been able to communicate what they are learning in classes by typing on the iPad. Because I can use the Internet on the iPad to supplement a general education lesson, my students are more engaged, have greater understanding and look forward to learning! For my students that do not read, they can listen to a download of an audio book on the iPad and follow along as the words are highlighted.
One student in particular, who is nonverbal, and previously showed no interest in "text" books, cannot wait to "read" using the iPad. He loves the reading Apps I have downloaded and the pictures/animations that go along. Now, he will sit for an entire class period without taking a break engaged in learning. He especially likes to share his animated books/lessons with the typical students who really enjoy the iPad, too. Additionally, the iPad is a useful tool for my students to look up information on the Internet to supplement teacher lessons and share with peers. Learning in class has become a whole new adventure for my students.
Finally, the iPad/keyboard is a tool that allows some of my non-verbal students to have a voice. They use it to type their thoughts and communicate their feelings. It is used to show their academic understanding by answering short answer questions, as well. Learning to type using a device such as the iPad2 has given some of my students an all new freedom; whereas, without it they would still be trapped in their silence! For some, it is the first time they have participated in class with a voice.
Thank you, again, for your generous donation to helping kids learn and have a voice. It is very much appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Johnston
Instruction in Inclusive Classrooms
Funded Aug 26, 2015Thank you so much for donating to help my students with special needs learn in an inclusive setting with their typical peers. The high interest, colorful books with lots of pictures have been very stimulating to my students. They have been able to supplement what they are learning in science class with these beautiful books. Because I can supplement a general education lesson with the corresponding high interest, easy reader book, my students are more engaged, have greater understanding and look forward to learning! For my students that do not read, I can read to them as they follow along and I ask questions based on the awesome pictures.
One student in particular, who is nonverbal, and previously showed no interest in "text" books, cannot wait for science class. He loves supported reading from the books and will sit for an entire class period without taking a break absorbing everything he can. He especially likes to share his supplemental book with the typical students who really enjoy the books, too. Additionally, the vocabulary listed in the back of each book is useful for pre-teaching the content-related words that are used throughout. Reading in science class has become a whole new adventure for my students.
Finally, the write and wipe lapboards and markers are extremely useful in helping my students follow along, copy text, organize their thoughts and take notes in all their classes. They are used throughout the day! Thank you, again, for your generous donation to helping kids learn. It is very much appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Johnston