Past projects 2
I Like to Move It, Move It!
Funded Sep 2, 2022My apologies for such a late thank-you note! We have enjoyed our seating freedom all year, using it to foster excellent partner work and movement without distracting from the learning. Many students are able to focus with the wiggle seats, and the rugs make sitting on the floor for the lesson much more enjoyable. Thank you so much for your thoughtful donation and for helping me create a supportive yet calming room for all types of learners.
My next project will most likely involve some research into the needs of students on the spectrum, as this year has shown an increase in neurodivergent students in not just my classroom, but in our school. I will be looking for tools for our calm-down corner, as well as movement resources for students that are overstimulated by a classroom of active learners. Noise-cancelling headphones will also be at the top of the list.
Thank you again for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Thomas
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 11 other donors.Empowering Readers to Succeed
Funded Mar 22, 2015Thank you for the amazing materials that you funded with your kind donations! Our class has been exploring the exciting world of nonfiction reading this month, with a special focus on the geography, history, and cultures found in Washington. Through the use of small group texts, task cards, and reading response sheets, we have been checking our comprehension in guided reading time. Students are taking similar work back to their seats to practice those strategies they are learning either independently or with a partner, to deepen their understanding of their learning.
In our Social Studies time together, we are researching animals that are native to Washington, and will use those skills to later research natural disasters and how to be prepared. The texts and materials provided by YOU are giving us the resources we need to have multiple texts in each student's hands for these subjects. Being able to work in small groups and partnerships allows our students with language and communication barriers the chance to practice their thinking and skills with other students, and get immediate feedback. Students who never seemed to enjoy reading are groaning audibly when we have to stop, because they don't want the read-aloud or small group text to end. That is music to my ears!
Thank you again for your kind donations, and for impacting my class so greatly with your generosity. Finding the love of reading often happens around the fourth grade, and giving my students the opportunity to explore the nonfiction genre, giving them the skills they need to read, and empowering them to pursue reading with a passion are lifelong skills. There is no better gift that someone could give!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Thomas