Past projects 10
Exploring the Wonders of Science
Funded Sep 20, 2024The introduction of science books into our classroom has been a huge help for our students by enriching their understanding of the world around them. These texts cover a variety of fascinating topics, such as ecosystems, engineering and design, and mapping and landforms. Through these readings, students are learning to comprehend complex vocabulary and are also developing critical thinking skills as they engage with the material.
By connecting literacy with science, we are nurturing enthusiastic learners who are eager to dive deeper into both subjects, thanks to your generous support. Thank you for making this enriching project possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 11 other donors.Unlocking Literacy: Decodable Books to Empower Second Graders' Reading Success
Funded Aug 27, 2024I am thrilled to share the impact that our new decodable readers have had on our classroom this year. Your generous contributions have made it possible for our students to engage with reading in exciting ways. I want to highlight just how much this project has enriched their learning experiences and fostered a love for reading.
Decodable readers are specifically designed to reinforce phonics skills, allowing students to practice decoding words within stories. This approach introduces essential skills such as fluency, comprehension, and self-confidence. Each book aligns perfectly with the phonetic patterns we teach, empowering students to tackle texts that match their developing abilities. As they progress, they not only learn to read but also cultivate a genuine love for reading.
We incorporate engaging partner reading lessons, where students read aloud to one another and provide support. This practice reinforces their decoding skills. During small group sessions, students dive into texts together, exploring themes, characters, and vocabulary. Students cheer each other on and celebrate their successes, creating a positive and encouraging learning environment.
Your support has been instrumental in nurturing a love of reading in our classroom. Thank you for making this journey possible. Your generosity and belief in our students truly make a difference, and we are incredibly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Gates Foundation and 19 other donors.Let's Master Math Facts!
Funded Oct 10, 2023Your generosity is very appreciated. Reflex Math enables students to joyfully master essential arithmetic skills. Thanks to your support, our students can now practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in a fun and engaging way. Students were thrilled to have Reflex back in the classroom. Many of our second grade students are well on their way to mastering addition and subtraction facts.
The engaging and fun nature of the program not only captures the attention of learners but also instills a genuine love for mathematics. Your dedication to funding this project has empowered educators and students alike, fostering an environment where mathematical proficiency is not only attainable but enjoyable. Heartfelt thanks for making a profound difference in shaping brighter futures.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
Books to Encourage the Love of Reading
Funded Oct 18, 2017Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom library. These books have helped me create a sense of community and inclusion. With the addition of these books, I have a read a loud that can apply to any social or educational lesson. I have heard from parents that students are so excited that we have so many engaging books in our classroom library. Some of our favorite books are Super Diaper Baby, Garfield, Roller Coaster, and Creepy Pair of Underwear! My students and I are so grateful that we have kind people like you to support our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 3 other donors.Essential Technology Accessories For 21st Century Learners
Funded Aug 21, 2017We use our iPads in almost every lesson through out the day. Headphones are often necessary to listen to instructions or to record. Daily, students listen to books, play math games and record themselves reading books or explaining their work. They can watch each others videos. With these headphones all students can use the technology to its fullest.
The headphones are sturdy. They help cut out background noise when students record in a noisy room of students. We are so thankful to have new reliable headphones in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and 4 other donors.We Need Diverse Books!
Funded Aug 28, 2017Thank you so much for your donation to our classroom library. These books have helped me create a sense of community and inclusion. While reading some of the books I have heard things like "hey, that character speaks my language (Spanish)" and "that character looks like me!". Representation in books matter. These books have helped me create a classroom library with diverse characters that more accurately reflect the identity and cultures of my students. My students and I are so grateful that we have kind people like you to support our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 5 other donors.Flexible Seating in 2nd Grade
Funded Aug 25, 2016My students love the new wiggle stools and standing desks. Each day students enter the classroom and are allowed to pick a seating option of their choice. Students take pride in their seating options and are eager to show visitors of our classroom our special seats.
The most popular parts of the classroom are the two standing desks that we received. Students rotate days they are allowed to stand at these desks. The desks have a fidget bar at the bottom of the desks that students can put a foot on while they stand.
Students like to use the standing desks because they like to stand when they do school work. Alex, age 7, says the standing desks help him stay focused. Jose likes the standing desk because of the fidget bar. He likes that he can do his work and have his foot moving on a bar. Many students like the standing desks because there is a shelf where they can put their materials. This shelf is easily accessible and easier to view than inside a desk.
I am so thankful to have these items in my classroom. Our classroom is a space where students are excited to come and use seating options. The standing desks and wiggle stools are seating options that allow students to stay active and healthy through out the day by moving. They are able to move more in the classroom and not disrupt others while doing so.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 7 other donors.Materials for an Active Classroom
Funded Aug 31, 2015Thank you for your support of my classroom. Students were able to start the new school year with flexible seating arrangements that meet a variety of student needs. In our classroom we have a 4 day rotation of seats, where students are able to choose a seat on their day. One day a week students are able to earn rewards to "pick" a seat. Students have figured out which seat works best for them and helps them stay focused.
With the stools, balls and saucers, students are able to wiggle throughout the day with out distracting their peers or instructor. They have a way to calm their anxiety by moving calmly in their seat. Students who have difficulty staying focused are able to move while they work.
Again, I truly appreciate the support you have given my classroom. I have a diverse group of students who have many differing needs. With the support of a stool they can wiggle on, students are staying focused for a longer period of time.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
2nd Grade iPad Minis
Funded Jan 22, 2015My students come from a variety of backgrounds both socio-economic backgrounds as well as cultural backgrounds. Some of my students are lucky enough to have access to multiple forms of technology when they go home, while others do not have a computer or access to the Internet. With the generous donation of an iPad to our classroom, my students have been able to all have access to technology at some point in the day. Technology helps my students learn, grow and gain essential skills that are needed to be successful in today's technological world.
Students have been able to create podcasts. They researched and wrote nonfiction stories of their interest, explored what made podcasts interesting and finally, created one of their own. Students enjoyed using the iPad to make something meaningful and different. They saw how podcasts related to future careers and skills that could help them one day. With the iPad, students have interviewed each other and made videos. For example they have sent their pen pals in China videos.
Two of my students' favorite uses of the iPad are apps called Stack the States and Stack the Countries. From clues, students search for the correct state or country. On their iPad days, students crowd around maps to figure out which state the clue is talking about. Geography has become a big topic of discussion in our classroom all due to a fun app on the iPad.
Integrating technology has been an important part of our classroom. The iPad has helped scaffold grade level content and challenge students. With these donations we have been able to allow all students regardless of background to have access to technology.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen
2nd Grade iPad Mini 2!
Funded Feb 22, 2015My students come from a variety of backgrounds both socio-economic backgrounds as well as cultural backgrounds. Some of my students are lucky enough to have access to multiple forms of technology when they go home, while others do not have a computer or access to the Internet. With the generous donation of an iPad to our classroom, my students have been able to all have access to technology at some point in the day. Technology helps my students learn, grow and gain essential skills that are needed to be successful in today's technological world.
Students have been able to create podcasts. They researched and wrote nonfiction stories of their interest, explored what made podcasts interesting and finally, created one of their own. Students enjoyed using the iPad to make something meaningful and different. They saw how podcasts related to future careers and skills that could help them one day. With the iPad, students have interviewed each other and made videos. For example, they have sent their pen pals in China videos.
The classes' favorite uses of the iPad are apps called Stack the States and Stack the Countries. From clues, students search for the correct state or country. On their iPad days, students crowd around maps to figure out which state the clue is talking about. Geography has become a big topic of discussion in our classroom all due to a fun app on the iPad.
Integrating technology has been an important part of our classroom. The iPad has helped scaffold grade level content and challenge students. With these donations we have been able to allow all students regardless of background to have access to technology.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sutinen