Past projects 5
“Independent” - Kindergarten Needs to Know What that Means!
Funded Feb 25, 2019My students were so excited the day our packages started to arrive at school. We had a talk about what it means to help someone, even if you don't know them. I explained that some really kind people from our community, and some from other states, thought it was important to help them learn at school. Every hour we paused and took time to open another package— they were THRILLED!
After we opened all of our new materials for stations I taught them how to use them during guided reading. I noticed some of my learners who are typically distracted were instantly engaged. My whole class worked so hard because they loved the new stations they were interacting with. My readers were able to work with letters and words in a hands on way, which is much more engaging than just pencil and paper.
I was ecstatic that my students were engaged and practicing their skills. I noticed improvements in many of them in just the first week! But one of my favorite things this project brought to my classroom is my students ability to understand responsibility; what it means to take care of something they love. I watch my students carefully packing up stations and being mindful of how they are treating their new materials.
I also noticed my students being more kind to one another. Thank you for teaching my students that you don't have to know someone to do something kind of them.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Wright
Reading is FUNdamental- We Need Books!
Funded Apr 3, 2018Read alouds have been more fun with our newly updated library! These books are so engaging with story lines that are humorous or even teach life lessons. We are able to practice our literacy skills by retelling the story, analyzing important details, inferring through illustrations and making predictions. It is much easier to keep a class of 22 five year olds engaged in stories that capture their attention! We can even use our books in subjects besides literacy! After reading the book, "Dragons Love Tacos" we were curious about how many students in our class liked tacos. In math we were learning about taking data and using a graph to understand information-- so, we made a graph about how many students in Ms. Wright's class likes tacos! **See pictures :) Turns out we all like tacos except for one friend.
These books have made our class exciting in all subject areas. I tell my students reading is fundamental and now I can show them through using great books. Thank you for supporting our classroom, we appreciate you!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Wright
This classroom project was brought to life by Carnegie Corporation and 7 other donors.Bringing Social and Emotional Development Back to K!
Funded Apr 1, 2018In Kindergarten we briefly learn what it means to be a good citizen during a social studies unit, but in my class I like to keep it as a theme all year long. Students are part of our society and it is never too early to start teaching them to be a good citizen! One way students learn is through making connections in stories. Julia Cook, retired teacher and counselor published social and emotional stories that help students understand social situations. We have enjoyed reading our new books. My favorite book thus far has been the Tattle Tongue. One student asked, "Ms. Wright, is Tattle Tongue real?" I quickly replied, " I don't think I would want to find out, what do you think?"
One situation that stuck out was a reoccurring stealing problem I was facing in my classroom. Money, valuable items and various treasures were going missing pretty often. While reading "Rickey Sticky Fingers" I noticed my whole class very engaged in the story. At recess, I had a student regretfully confess all of the times he stole. We had a constructive conversation about the impact it has on others and what could happen if they continue to steal. In this moment, the student had a break through and suggested a great idea-- they wanted to confess and apologize to the CLASS! I was in awe by the bravery and willingness to correct their mistake. After recess, we had a class discussion about self-control and integrity. My student was bold and admitted what they stole, and even had a plan to correct their mistake. Other students forgave them and clapped. This also inspired a few other students to come clean about a time they stole.
The impact of the right book can make a huge difference and teach children in a way that makes sense to them. I believe these life lessons will stick with my students and shape how they make decisions in the future. Thank you for taking an interest in helping my classroom, I appreciate you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Wright
This classroom project was brought to life by Carnegie Corporation and 4 other donors.Learning through Play
Funded Apr 24, 2018Students learn through engaging in hands on materials that spark imagination. This project allowed our students to practice engaging in social skills and building relationships through play. Having experience may allow students to gain the ability to make connections to subject standards. I was inspired by the idea that if my students believed learning is playing then they would take an interest in being at school. Our recess was structured with activities that taught them to take turns, encourage others, and never give up.
All of our students loved the new materials, but one took an interest in the jump ropes. She seemed to be intrigued when I modeled how to jump and how fast I could go. I assured her that if she worked hard and practiced that she would be able to jump rope just like me! She picked up the jump rope every day. Sometimes she would get around one or two full times and put it down. On our field trip she noticed another girl in our class that could jump rope fast-- I saw how she looked disappointed with herself. She folded her arms and sat in the corner while other kids played, I saw a valuable life lesson. I explained to my student that it was okay to feel discouraged, but that she needed to keep trying her best. I taught her a few jump rope strategies-- pacing, controlling the rope, counting, how to handle her legs. She never gave up! After a few more weeks of practice she became the jump rope queen of the class. She can jump fast, side to side, and even skip rope. She frequently reminds me "Remember how I never gave up Ms. Wright?" I say, "Yes, I will never forget. You need to always remember to never give up no matter what the challenge is!" This student teaches other students how to jump and I am proud as I hear her say "Just don't give up, it'll get easier."
This is why students need to learn through play. Thank you for supporting our classroom. You make a difference!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Wright
This classroom project was brought to life by Carnegie Corporation and 5 other donors.Come Together, Right Now— On the Rug to Read!
Funded Nov 1, 2017Our classroom has been growing since we were gifted a new gathering rug and appropriate leveled books. We have been using our sight word books to practice memorizing our mandatory sight words. I have noticed that students who focus on these words in books have an easier time memorizing the words. We use these books on a daily basis during guided reading time-- which is our new favorite subject of the day! Thanks to our donors, students no longer have to fight over books, there is plenty for everyone. The kids enjoy Pete the Cat stories, I find that they beg for more reading. The classroom carpet has benefited our class a tremendous amount, everyone is happy with their own spot! This project has completely changed the dynamic of our classroom and positively influenced my kindergarten class to love reading. We have made real life connections through this project and will pass along the act of kindness that we have received. Thank you for investing in my students and our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Wright
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Donor and 5 other donors.