Past projects 4
First Graders Are Bringing Books (& Science) Home!
Funded May 14, 2019What a year... due to COVID-19, this past school year was cut short so we were unable to get the project started as described in this Donors Choose project. Since I knew the project wasn't going to happen until March, I did want the books to sit there. I wanted to make sure the books were making an impacts immediately. The books were added to all of the first grade classroom libraries as soon as they were received. Students were checking them out, taking them home, and learning new things with their families. They were becoming curious about topics they didn't even think about before.
Your books were enjoyed by 58 six and seven year olds. That's quite an impact! Even though this project's materials weren't used exactly as described this year, have no fear. The excitement around them has proven that when it is time to get back to "normal" in the classroom, these science exploration take-home bags are going to be a HUGE hit!
Thank you. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for thinking about my amazing students. Without people like you, so many teachers' ideas could not come to fruition. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, donors.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pavek
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 7 other donors.Making Learning Visible With Green Screen Technology
Funded Aug 5, 2018I don't know where to begin. Thank you for supporting this project. Over the last few years, I have been experimenting with Green Screen tools, begging and borrowing from friends and family, even reusing items that were headed to the trash. Now, thanks to your generosity, I have everything I need to make green screen projects happen more frequently. My team and I have plans this year to integrate green screen into the classroom on a more regular basis. The photos included are from our first project, Science Tools. Students showed their learning by choosing a science tool and telling how scientists use these tools in their lab. What better setting to talk about this than being in a "real" science lab. When the students saw their final green screen videos, they were so excited to do more. The engagement level in the classroom, thanks to the equipment and tools you helped purchase, is through the roof. Thank you!
I don't want to forget to mention the Pop Tents and how they are being used. We record daily in our classroom using an app called Seesaw. Seesaw allows me to get a better view into the students' learning. It gives me the opportunity to see where their understanding is and where I need to go next. One of the most beneficial ways we use these recording POP UP Tents, is in math. Students record how they would solve a word problem and talk their way through it. Then I am able to see exactly where the mistake happens. The students are building their ability to explain using math vocab and more, and because of your donation, their recordings are now even clearer. The tents block out most of the background noise.
Thank you for making an impact in so many students' learning. These tools will be used for years to come. Oh, and I should also mention that I have been accepted to present at the state and national tech conferences in 2019. My colleague and I will be teaching teachers from a variety of countries about how to use Green Screen to enhance student learning. That means your donations are not only making an impact for students at ADHUS, but also around the world. Thanks a million!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pavek
Wiggle, Wiggle, Focus! Flexible Seating for First Graders
Funded Aug 7, 2016Wow! What can I say? Your donations to this project have COMPLETELY changed our classroom. Your quick response and the generous matches made it possible to receive most of our items by the first day of school. When students visited the classroom for Meet the Teacher, two days prior to the start of school, students had no idea it would look totally different by the first day. I will never forget that first morning when they all arrived. The "oohs" and "awes" were priceless!
We spent the first couple of weeks trying each of our new "learning spaces". I had each student spend a couple of days in each seating option to force them to try something they might not have tried otherwise. Now, the students get to pick their learning space every day. Most move all over the room and some stay at the same table. Watching them pick where they work best is awesome! I have students that prefer the cushions, others love the pillows. The yoga mats are a favorite. I cut them in half to double our supply. Cutting them made them the perfect size for my six- and seven-year-old students. The Runtz stools are AMAZING! If I'm honest, watching the kids bounce drove me a bit crazy at first, but once we all got used to it, they turned out to really help my fidgeting students. Oh and I don't want to forget to mention the Bouncy Bands. Honestly, I think that every kindergarten through 5th grade classroom should have these. They are fantastic, because the kids can bounce and you don't hear a thing.
Overall, I am noticing differences in the way my kids focus thanks to all of these seating options. I have less students who are distracted by their pencil boxes or items on tables. They are focused on the task at hand and less "get back to work" reminders are needed. I am excited to see if there are the same trends next year with a new group of students. That is the true test of this seating experiment.
"Look at this classroom! I wish we had flexible seating..." That's what other students say when they enter our classroom. They are envious of the variety of choices we have for seating. You all have changed 22 students' first grade experiences and let's not forget the many classes of students in the years to come. They are going to remember so much about their year with flexible seating and I guarantee it will be one of their favorite memories. Thank you just doesn't seem enough.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pavek
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and 5 other donors.Let's Get First Graders Organized!
Funded Aug 11, 2016You all have been so crucial in setting up my classroom this year. Thanks to your generous donations, my students will be ready to start first grade with a warm and inviting classroom. They will be able to learn important life skills like responsibility and organization. Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pavek
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and 8 other donors.