Ms. Chow's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 2

• Watercolor Painting for Wellness

  Funded Nov 30, 2022

  "Watercolor Painting for Wellness" was loved and enjoyed by my 5th grade students. After four tutoring/how to paint lessons, the students were eagerly looking forward to our weekly painting sessions. My goal was for my students to find a creative outlet for their mental health and this was achieved. Many of the students' conversations as they painted were expressing joy at what they saw being painted by their classmates. I could see the pleasure in their faces as they received compliments, but more when they were sharing their positive words with their friends.

  Our classroom painting sessions were about 45 minutes each time and students were always surprised at how quickly the time went. Because the students were mentally rested and happy, the following lesson time usually went smoothly. Shy students that were usually reluctant to volunteer or participate, were more open after a painting session.

  The students completed one full trimester of watercolor painting before the watercolor paint palettes ran out, but we still had watercolor painting paper. I reached out to one of the education groups in our district and showed them our "Watercolor Painting for Wellness" project and how it supported my students' emotional learning. The students were eager to share their artwork (we had painted bookmarks, postcards, and get-well cards) and some went further by expressing their feelings in their journal writing. Through that group's donation along with PTA, my class was able to purchase paints again so we could continue into the next trimester.

  This experience has allowed my students to relax in school and has given them a hobby that they enjoy. We appreciate all that you have done to make this project come alive. Thank you!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Chow

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 9 other donors.

• Kindness Rocks at Our School!

  Funded Aug 21, 2017

  Thank you so much for generous and kind donations for my Kindness Rocks Our School project. My students were thrilled when the supply box arrived to our classroom. They couldn't wait to get started!

  My students had been collecting rocks and working on designs. We discussed what kindness meant to others and to themselves. We looked for examples of kindness in our reading and blogged about examples of kindness they had experienced or witnessed.

  Before painting, the students used a worksheet I had created to sketch out designs they wanted to use. Many of my students' parents helped out with their child at home and talked about their experiences on being kind to others. The students had a lot of fun thinking of inspirational sayings and looking up motivational quotes. Many of the students came up with their own inspirational words.

  My students shared their painted rocks with the school by hiding some in other classrooms. My ELD students went to the kindergarten and first grade classrooms to share about our project and to explain what we were doing. It was a great way for these students to practice their speaking skills. My reluctant and shy students were not shy at all when speaking to the lower grade classrooms. They were excited to share our class project.

  I know my students were impacted by this project because many keep a kindness rock on their desk. I now keep a small table with the paint supplies and students have continued to create kindness rocks whenever they feel like it. I know other students are interested because I have had students outside of my classroom ask to come in and paint a rock of their own.

  I hope to be able to continue the Kindness Rocks Our School project year long. Thank you for bringing kindness to my students.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Chow

  This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and 11 other donors.