Past projects 4
We're Serious About Series!
Funded Dec 4, 2019Before our new books were delivered, it was a challenge to get many of my students to book shop and independently read. Students would often select books from reading levels that were not developmentally appropriate for them just to get their hands on a book that looked a bit more interesting. Since our delivery of new books, students can't keep away from the library! Every day students run up to share what happened in the newest book in their series or to share how a brand new series was. Students give reviews of their books and recommend them to each other. Motivation to read has sky rocketed in our classroom!
These brand new books have not only motivated students to read, but provided them with the tools to improve their reading comprehension. When students get to follow a single character in an entire series, they begin the next book already having knowledge of the character and typical problems the character may face. This is a critical support for students who are reading below grade level.
Thank you for providing our classroom with quality books that excite, motivate and allow my students to grow as readers. This gift will not only help this group of students, but the many students that will enter this classroom for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Minaie
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 8 other donors.Two Green Thumbs Up for Vertical Gardens!
Funded Jan 10, 2017When my students first unpacked the boxes of supplies generously funded by you, their eyes lit up with possibility. Fueled by questions, they began their research and discovered that that their questions would only lead to more questions. Some could be answered through online research, but other theories would need to be tested. Every day they lined up to stare at the tiny sprouts, purple from the light of the LED lamps. They would wonder aloud when we would get to enjoy the vegetables and began making plans to bring home herbs to their parents and grandparents. Your generous donation of sprouting pods, seeds and lamps made these small moments possible.
Students then began assembling vertical gardens made from recycled materials. They tested filters, altered designs, learned how to compromise, and made very big messes all while having the time of their lives. Our school now has eight vertical gardens on display. We have grown and munched on several vegetables and herbs including lettuce, basil, thyme, beets, broccoli and dill.
My students were fortunate enough to be a part of the Response to Global Crises club and it was your donation that made that possible. But you provided us with so much more than seeds, pods, lamps and soil. You provided my students with the gift of inquiry, awareness of global issues, strengthened confidence and most of all the realization that we as individuals have the power to change the world, even if for now we can only do it one vertical garden at a time.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Minaie
This classroom project was brought to life by Tom's of Maine and 6 other donors.iLearn: iPad Mini for English Language Learners
Funded Aug 25, 2014"Can I PLEASE use the iPad, Ms. Theodorou?" is the most commonly asked question in my classroom. Students line up to get a turn and cherish every minute they get to work with it. The iPad is used to supplement and enrich classroom activities every single day. Students can work with any number of educational apps that can strengthen their reading, push them to think critically, provide them with practice for skills like multiplication and division facts and even provide them with books appropriate for their reading level.
The benefits of having the classroom iPad are truly too many to list. Since we received the iPad, reading levels have increased, multiplication and division facts have been mastered, engagement has sky rocketed and most importantly, students have been happier and have taken more responsibility for their learning. It is very common for a student to share a skill he/she must work on and then ask me if they can use an application on the iPad to help them master this skill.
I can't thank you enough for making all of this possible for my current 29 students and for all those I will teach in the coming years. Your donation has given us the gift of endless educational applications, access to documentaries and educational videos, and has sparked a love for all sorts of educational games. The English Language Learners love that they can find engaging books on their reading level, and that they have such quick access to translators and picture dictionaries. Thank you again for your very generous donation.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Minaie
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 4 other donors.Learning Through a Different Lens!
Funded Dec 12, 2013Protractors, fractions bars, compasses, rough drafts, published pieces, art prints, books, social studies projects and origami are only some of the items that have been placed under our classroom document camera and projected for all to see. The only negative situation I have encountered with our new document camera is that there are not enough hours in our school day to possibly share all the pieces my students want to share. In addition to building self-confidence and enthusiasm for classwork, I have noticed significant growth in my students' writing.
Peer-reviewing writing prior to the document camera consisted of two students swapping rough drafts and writing feedback on post-it notes. While it sometimes worked, it often did not. Feedback from one or two students was simply not enough and students often felt that the feedback was not very helpful. Our peer-reviewing ritual now includes thirty possible "critics" having a discussion about the text being shared. The author is able to listen to both positive comments on their piece and ways they can improve their writing. They walk away happy because they have the freedom to listen to their peers and choose the feedback they believe will work best for their writing piece.
Now that my class has benefited from the use of a document camera, I can't and won't go back to a classroom without one. When my students are happy and productive, I am happy. Thank you again for your generous donation and for taking the time to invest in my students. I know they are every bit as grateful for this generous gift as I am and our school year wouldn't have been the same without your help.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Minaie
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 20 other donors.