Past projects 5
Learning made more comfortable!
Funded Nov 9, 2023What a smile these items put on students' faces as they came into the room. They first noticed that the room was not as bright. It made watching videos so much easier without having to turn off all the lights. It also brought some calm to the classroom. The seat pockets were a hit! The students were so happy that they didn't have to try to cram their Chromebook into their desk along with all their other materials. It made it so easy to access the headphones as well and it was a great storage solution. Having the little clear window allowed the students to place the bookmark they got from our school counselor for directions on how to complete the Peace Walk.The bands on the bottom of the chairs worked well for quite a while. Unfortunately, some of them have broken and have snapped. The students who still have them are enjoying swinging their legs as they work at the desk.
As I move on to begin teaching computer science, I look forward to creating another project.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Peters
First Things for First Graders
Funded Oct 28, 2021The students were thrilled to see all the new resources and materials that came due to this project. They now had new chairs to sit on for small group reading, new journals to write their thoughts in, opportunities to review materials with the buzzers and compete against each other. In addition, new binders, page protectors, and labels are helping to teach the students to be more responsible.
Each time another box of materials were delivered to the classroom, their interest was peaked...what would it be this time? Of course, they were most excited about the chairs and the game buzzers; but then, who wouldn't be?
Right now, our focus is to delve deeply into reading and math standards. I'd love to be able to incorporated more Science and Social studies. Can I add another hour to the school day? As a Leader in Me school, the students are focusing on "Synergizing/Working Together." That's a new skill as they've worked so much by themselves over the last year and a half. However, we'll make it!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Peters
Reading, Reading, Learn! Part 2
Funded Oct 22, 2021I can't begin to share with you how excited my students are with these books. These are the second semester books from the Rooted in Reading program. The program provides the class with various books and various activities for each book. There are vocabulary words that are new to many students. The activities provide students with photos that go along with the pictures and an activity to use their understanding of those new words. Each unit book also has grammar and phonics lessons and activities as well as non-fiction readers that go along with the book. There are so many activities to do, that I need to pick and choose from them, so that we have an opportunity to enjoy many of the books.
We begin each whole group reading lesson by looking at the book cover and making predictions about the book. While reading it the first time, I ask questions about what is happening in the story, especially around the standard that is being focused on for that week. Then, I present the standard and we relate it to the book. Often we use the vocabulary words, find them in the story, and then share our understanding. On Wednesdays, we look at the non-fiction articles/books that go with the fiction book. So many things to do and enjoy.
This week, we read "The Big Bed" and the students laughed when the little girl who is telling the story tells her dad the value in her "pee pee." They got a kick out of that.
Thanks for making reading so enjoyable for my students and allowing them to be exposed to new books.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Peters
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 4 other donors.Reading, Reading, Learn!
Funded Sep 13, 2021My students were shouting out loud (I had to remind them to give a silent cheer) when the books arrived. I was excited to see them so excited.
So far, the students have used these books to 1) examine how the setting can change in a book, 2) look at characters and to describe them and their feelings, 3) make predictions, and 4) to go back into the story to look for details. Some other skills we will cover are 1) making connections between individuals ideas, 2) make text to world connections, 3) sequence the story, and 4) generate their own questions about a book.
We begin reading each day by examining a book - fiction or non-fiction. We look at the skills first graders need to learn and use one of those skills as we read the book. We also focus on grammar, and phonics. After we have done whole group reading, the students rotate through centers while I meet with small groups and help them with these same topics...usually with a different book.
I have to tell you that since we read "The Bad Seed," three of my students have taken this book out of the library. They truly enjoyed this one because of the expression used in the story and how this can connect to their life. I can't wait to see what other books make such a great impression and help them grow a love for reading!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Peters
Read It, Read It, Comprehend It!
Funded Oct 2, 2018Thank you so much for helping my students access this technology. Having chrome books has allowed my students greater access to the programs we use through the Internet. Not every student has a device at our school, so your donation has helped to put more devices into our classroom so that more students have an opportunity to use them.
One of the greatest challenges for my students is to type on the chrome book. They are so used to using an iPad or another device in which they can just use their fingers to move items on the page. These chrome books do not have a touch screen, so the students have had to learn how to use a keyboard. Having this opportunity in first grade will make it much easier as they get older.
The students have truly enjoyed being able to learn about a topic and then answer questions on that topic using these computing devices. It has been more exciting for them to do it this way, rather than on paper, as we have been doing. They can even see their answers on the screen!
I have students in my class who love to learn new things. When the chrome books arrived, they couldn't wait for them to be out of the box, charged, and ready to use. They kept asking me, "When will we get to use them?" I couldn't get them set up fast enough. There are also students in my room who do not have computer access at home. This has been a wonderful asset for them as well.
Thank you from my students...they love you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Peters
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 16 other donors.