Past projects 42
Brains and Basketballs!
Funded Mar 27, 2018Roars of excitement fell upon my classroom as the 10 new basketballs were being pulled out of the boxes. Requests for immediate Physical Education time came from every single voice. My students understand the importance of making good nutritional choices and staying active for their healthy lives. They also understand the brain power that basketball can bring to them. Some students want to learn to use a basketball while others are thrilled to show off some of their skill and swag with the balls. I am so glad that these students value the much needed opportunity to develop their sports skills while also strengthening their brains with basketball. Physical Education time has taken a new level of enthusiasm as we have 10 basketballs that will allow everyone to participate actively. We have gone out to learn and practice dribbling, passing, and shooting. We have worked on collaborative skill building, teamwork, and even begun to develop some endurance. I look forward to helping my students to improve balance and coordination, develop concentration, and self-discipline. Thank you supporting the learners in my classroom as they have fun while staying active, developing sports skills, and strengthening their brains”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Perez
This classroom project was brought to life by ESPN and 3 other donors.Team Bonding With Pinnies
Funded Mar 27, 2018Collaboration and Competition is what we unpacked when our new "pinnies" arrived. Two sets of numbered, colorful, and ventilated pinnies to allow us to work on team building experiences as well as compete against each other. We are playing both Team sports as well as skill building games during Physical Education with our new pinnies. It is especially great that these pinnies fit every body type and size, are easy to put on and take off, and they even have individual numbers on them. Students are now able to track more easily the classmates that are on their team. It allows them to focus on the task at hand instead of trying to remember who is on their current and ever-changing team. It is clear that the teamwork opportunities promote cohesiveness and cooperation. It also makes our competitive spirit more motivating. These positive social interactions on these flexible teams are increasing the student's mutual support for one another.
Thank you for contributing to my student's as they learn to be great collaborators and competitors.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Perez
This classroom project was brought to life by ESPN and 2 other donors.It Is Music To Our Ears!
Funded May 18, 2013Thank you so much for donating to our classroom project! My students were elated to receive the iPod for classroom use. They said, "Wow, we have a new way to listen to music." This is definitely true, yet we have discovered that this iPod has so much more to offer.
My students and I are using this resource more and more. We have begun to upload music from our CD collection to listen and sing songs collaboratively, in small groups, and independently. This component is truly supporting our classroom cohesiveness as well as supporting the building of language and vocabulary. We are using the camera function to photograph science lab investigations, art products, details in book illustrations, theme related artifacts and concepts, word work and so much more. We are beginning to use the video mode to videotape short examples or explanations of concepts across the curriculum, act out story scenes, retell literature sequences, articulate nonfiction facts and even dances through our arts curriculum. We are recording ourselves reading literature for each other and enjoying how we bring literature to life through our own style. We are exploring new ways to learn through new technology and are looking forward to adding some math apps soon.
This material is definitely boosting my teaching and my students learning in so many wonderful ways. We have new technology that leads us towards new ways of sharing what we know, recording our growth as well as our efforts, engaging students with very tangible tools that help them be creative, involved, and motivated.
Thank you for helping my first graders gain more opportunities to learn, live, and prosper as great citizens in our learning community.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Perez
Let Them Capture Their World!
Funded Apr 18, 2013Receiving the camera with the memory cards was such an incredible delight for my students! They were so excited to be given the opportunity to use this technology as a learning aid.
We have used the camera to photograph science lab specimens, experiments, and observations. We have used it to enhance visual scaffolds during oral presentations, to develop language and vocabulary, and for supporting public speaking skills. We have also begun photographing family projects and events for personal narratives in writing. Students have even used this tool to document our formal drama presentation presented school-wide. This camera is a new technology that students will continue to benefit from as we upload images into our computer and view the photos on our white board with many language opportunities. It will allow students to dig deeper into learning and support articulation of their learning. It will help students collaborate and engage their audience with visuals. Thank you for helping my students look deeper at concepts, processes, events, details, and for providing a new way to communicate their learning all around them.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Perez
Science Sleuths
Funded Feb 26, 2012Thank you for your generous donation to my wonderful students. The science materials provided have already impacted my students in a very engaging way. The large heavy duty hand lenses have allowed students to examine objects and specimens more carefully. Students are using the Magna-scope to view and share scientific observations more explicitly, descriptively, and articulately - since they are able to view it through the document camera on the big screen. The science games for the computer have supported science concept development, lesson review, and an increased use of science academic vocabulary.
These science materials have made scientific inquiry, research, and review much more exciting. For first grade students, materials that allow their curiosity and critical thinking skills to further develop is critical.
Without donors like you, many students would have to "just do" with what is available. Because of you, more students will be motivated, inspired and have access to a science education that will develop their understandings and increase connections and higher level thinking skills.
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With gratitude,
Mrs. Perez