Past projects 42
PC Pals Are A Plus In Pre-K
Funded Dec 14, 2011Thank you both for providing the funding that made my project, PC Pals Are A Plus in Pre-K," a reality. The new computer has made a noticeable difference in our classroom and my students are truly the winners!
Having a second computer has made it possible for two children to work cooperatively to model skills and provide encouragement. It has also reduced the frequency of calls for 'tech support' that require me to suspend my small group lessons and restart 'the white one' again. I am happy to report that the 'white one' is no longer in our classroom.
My young learners now have additional opportunities to acquire and practice computer skills in all curricular areas. Students are working cooperatively thereby enhancing their overall academic achievement. Thanks again for your kind generosity. PC pals really are a plus! hide»”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and one other donor.Puzzles, Pockets, & Projects in Pre-K
Funded Dec 30, 2011I would like to thank everyone who made my project, "Puzzles, Pockets,&Projects in Pre-K," a reality. The materials your donations made possible have made a lasting impact in our classroom and my students are the big winners!
The Trend Fun-to-Know Puzzles have been a popular addition that provide a wealth of learning opportunities. Children enjoy selecting from the wide variety of topics (shapes, opposites, rhyming, community helpers, etc.,) and working through the puzzles independently or with a friend. They build vocabulary, visual discrimination, problem-solving, and cooperation. Alphabet puzzles are always welcome and the new ones complement our existing collection. It's wonderful to watch my young learners implement their growing knowledge of letter names and order rather than just fitting 'random' pieces into the corresponding slots. We're working on a system to utilize the paper pockets to streamline classroom organization. The Mailbox resource books have given me a stockpile of new ideas to add even more learning fun to our busy, busy day!
As I said in my request, if puzzles were food, they'd be called a complete meal. My students are definitely getting their fill of activities that promote cognitive, visual, social, fine motor and oral language skills. Thank you all again for your kind generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 9 other donors.Functional Furniture Facelift For Pre-K
Funded Nov 23, 2011I'd like to thank everyone who made, "Functional Furniture Facelift For Pre-K," a reality. The new items your donations helped provide have made a noticeable difference in both the organization and functionality of our classroom. They're great looking, too!
The Mobile Listening&Storage Center transformed what was once a cluttered, overcrowded area into a streamlined learning station. My students look forward to perusing the books with CD's for individual use or enjoying a cassette story with a friend or two. The Table & 2-Bench Set is a hit in the Housekeeping Center. Now, four children are able to sit around the table for tea parties and restaurant dining. The Outdoor Classroom Cart & Cover allow us to easily move play equipment in and out for easy access. Students are now able to utilize the various balls, toss & catch games, play dough accessories, etc. and this encourages them to experiment with new activities that keep them moving.
By improving the organization of our classroom, inside and out, the learning opportunities are expanded and enhanced. We like the way it looks, but we love the way it all works! Thank you again for your generous support of my young learners.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and 3 other donors.Bullies Beware! Not In Our Pre-K!
Funded Oct 21, 2011I would like to thank everyone who made my project, "Bullies Beware! Not In Our Pre-K!" a reality. Bullying has always been around, but it has now met its match. Thanks to your donations, my four-year-old students will be prepared with confidence and strength of character to meet the challenges ahead.
Books such as, "Big, Bad Bruce," "Jungle Bullies," and "The Ogre Bully," present difficult topics in an engaging format that my young learners have enjoyed. They were also quite excited to use the multi-cultural crayons, pencils, and construction paper to proudly create self-portraits that truly reflect their diversity. Gone are the days of 'one color fits all' drawings. Our bulletin boards are now covered with the familiar faces that fill our classroom and it's a joy to see! The parents have had an opportunity to preview "Bullying in Schools" and look forward to utilizing it in our upcoming monthly meetings.
As my students celebrate their similarities and differences, they are learning invaluable lessons that will help them build confidence and self-assurance. Thank you for providing the necessary materials. We couldn't have done it without everyone's kind generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 6 other donors.It's All About The Stories In Pre-K!
Funded Dec 1, 2011I would like to thank Wasserman Foundation and First 5 LA for making my project, "It's All About The Stories In Pre-K!" a reality. Now that story time can be any time, my students are reaping the benefits. They also appreciate the varied formats and freedom to select their own 'special spot' where they can enjoy a good book, or two, or three . . .
The individual CD Players are in high demand. Children can't wait for their turn, yet are demonstrating great patience. It's interesting to observe them as they scan the classroom and decide where to settle down with their story selections. Once the weather improves, they'll be able to go outside, too. Puppets are always a favorite and my students were excited to receive the sets for The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks&the Three Bears. Listening to them come up with different voices for each character provides daily entertainment for the adults in the classroom! The Create-A-Scene Felt Board Series and magnetic storybooks offer additional opportunities to access literature while encouraging children to retell the stories or even make up their own versions.
As my young learners continue to enjoy story time whenever and wherever (almost!) they wish, I know they realize their good fortune was due to the kind generosity of Wasserman Foundation and First 5 LA. Please know that their parents and I are also grateful for your continued support of our efforts to give Pre-Kindergarten children a solid foundation on which to build a successful academic career. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and one other donor.We Play Every Day In Pre-K!
Funded Nov 28, 2011I would like to thank Wasserman Foundation and First 5 LA for making my project, "We Play Every Day In Pre-K," a reality. My students are having a blast with all of the new equipment and it's a pleasure to watch as they discover the joys of physical activity.
The various balls were an instant hit. The Playground Balls were long overdue. Recess isn't complete without balls to bounce! The Easy-Catch Playballs were welcomed by the children who haven't had much experience throwing and catching. Their confidence is growing and I know they'll be ready to try the 'real' balls soon. The Soft&Safe Ring Toss and Flower Bean Bags with the Flower Target have helped students build hand/eye coordination, aim, and accuracy. The weather has been colder than usual, so we've postponed the use of the various water toys. We're looking forward to Groundhog Day to see how long we'll have to wait!
As my young learners run, throw, catch, kick, and balance, they are developing a love for movement and fitness that will hopefully last. Although they may still go home to an evening of video games and television, it's satisfying to know I've provided a fun little 'workout' session. Had it not been for your kind generosity, this would have been impossible. Thank you both, again, for your ongoing support of early education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and one other donor.New Games and A Place To Put Them Away In Pre-K
Funded Dec 7, 2011I would like to thank Wasserman Foundation and First 5 LA for making my project, "New Games and A Place To Put Them Away In Pre-K," a reality. Today, my students, paraprofessional, and I embarked on a new and improved approach to learning through games. We 'tested' a few games and can't wait to try out everything in the weeks ahead!
My students supervised the placement of our new Storage Unit and were quite excited to begin filling it with all of our games, both new and old. They've already enjoyed the Picture-Words Bingo with a parent volunteer. As children practiced letter sounds and learned new vocabulary, they had a great time. As a class, we played a few rounds of Nursery Rhyme Listening Lotto and I was pleasantly surprised at how well they did after our long Winter Break. My students look forward to the various Eric Carle and Trend matching games.
As my young learners practice taking turns, following directions, winning gracefully, and dealing with disappointment, they will also build skills of problem-solving, visual discrimination, and vocabulary development. The new storage unit will encourage regular play and easy access. Because of your ongoing support and generosity, my young learners will play their way to a successful future!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and one other donor.Pre-K New Year's Resolution: We Will Learn The Alphabet!
Funded Dec 29, 2011I'd like to thank everyone who helped fund our project, "Pre-K New Year's Resolution: We Will Learn The Alphabet!" Wasserman Foundation pledged a Match Offer that inspired my family members to get things going. Some kind, new friends: Liz, Wenyu Zhu, and Charlotte, provided the rest. What a wonderful New Year's surprise!
Because of your contributions, my young learners will be well-equipped to achieve their resolution to learn the letters of the alphabet and their corresponding sounds. As adults, we forget the requisite challenges one encounters when acquiring new skills and concepts. Alphabet stamps, puzzles, games, beads, centers, and kits will provide a variety of high-interest, multi-modal learning opportunities.
Learning the alphabet is much more than, 'The ABC Song.' Your kind generosity will provide valuable, motivational tools, games, and manipulatives to ensure success as my students strive to fulfill their, "Pre-K New Year's Resolution: We Will Learn The Alphabet!"”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and 10 other donors.Buddies, Not Bullies, In Pre-K
Funded Oct 29, 2011I would like to thank everyone who made my project, "Buddies, Not Bullies, In Pre-K," a reality. Townsend Press-Bullying in Schools initiated the funding with a generous Almost Home donation. Samantha and Peter Bachman kindly contributed to complete the project. The materials you've provided have been thoroughly enjoyed by my students and their Big Buddies!
The photos say it all! Our November Big Buddy activity was a Sidewalk Chalk Draw&Write on the playground. The 5-grader's came over to our classroom and connected with their Little Buddies. After selecting several pieces of chalk, they proceeded to the 'big' yard and the fun began! Everyone was drawing, writing letters, words, & names, tracing hands, etc. There was nonstop interaction and the conversations were brilliant. Big Buddies are also invited to stop in at their recess or lunch to read a story to their Little Buddy and I've placed a bin with the anti-bullying books by our door for easy access. I've also passed the additional copies of 'Bullying in Schools' to the 5th grade teacher for use in her classroom.
As the Buddies laugh and converse, they are building bonds and gaining confidence. Self-esteem and a sense of responsibility discourage the negative dynamics that often result in bullying. The anti-bullying materials you've generously provided have greatly enhanced The Big Buddies Program. All of the Buddies and their teachers thank everyone again for supporting such an important topic!
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With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 4 other donors.Bilingualism Is A Bonus In Pre-K
Funded Nov 22, 2011I would like to thank everyone who made my project, Bilingualism Is A Bonus In Pre-K, a reality. Cristina Torres got us off to a great start followed by First 5 LA and Wasserman Foundation. The English and Spanish materials are a welcome addition to our bilingual Language Arts program.
The Teaching Tubs have been a blast! The students enjoy practicing letter sounds while working with the huge collection of miniature objects. I'll admit that most adults, myself included, can't keep their hands of them either! They are the highlight of a new high-interest, learning-packed center. The Bilingual Concept Books and Bilingual Color Little Books have been added to our library and are being utilized during Center Time, Daily Lap Reading with parents, and during group lessons. Family, transportation, and clothes are just some of the categories covered. The English flip books complement the Spanish set we already have.
Bilingualism is an advantage academically, socially, and professionally. I want my students to have as many advantages as possible. Your kind generosity will go a long way towards the goal of bilingualism. Thank you all again. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. CUEVA
This classroom project was brought to life by First 5 LA and 3 other donors.