Past projects 3
Stand Up for Learning!
Funded Aug 9, 2019This has been an amazing addition to our classroom! The standing tables have really helped students to stay focused on their learning, while having the flexibility of moving their feet as they completing assignments. These are at the back of the classroom, so the fact they are standing does not impede their learning or the learning of others. It's like they have always been there!!
From day 1 they were shocked and excited about having the chance to use the standing tables for work time. Many students wanted to use it first thing, but we decided on a rotation set up for all our flexible seating. The tables are definitely a crowd favorite, and the fact that two students can use it at a time make it perfect for partner work. We recently had a break-out review game and the groups at the tables were able to work well together!
Thank you again for these wonderful and adaptable resources. I can see the benefit for my students and their learning!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gilbert
Flexible Seating for Focused Learning!!
Funded Mar 17, 2019My class ADORES these chairs! The students were in shock when they first saw them, they are called jellyfish chairs since they look like big red jellyfish! Everyone, of course, had a chance to try them out the first week they were in our classroom. Each of them started out bouncing up and down, but as they became used to it, they settled in and it became a way to stay focused while also moving.
As the novelty has worn off, I've seen the impact even more. Those students that had become easily distracted, are more focused. Those students that couldn't sit still are now spending more time on their work, completing more than ever before. It was been amazing to see the differences these chairs have made in my students.
These chairs have helped me jumpstart transition my classroom to a flexible-seating environment. I've also added lap desks, standing desks, and bean bags. I know these changes all started with this project, so thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity in making my students more successful!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gilbert
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 7 other donors.We're all Wonders!!!
Funded Jul 21, 2018Some paper and ink, bound. It sounds so simple, but when written with the ideas and words of a wonderful author such as R. J. Palacio, it makes feelings soar and faces smile. Our class has adored this book! I introduced this book to our class because character development is so important in this day and age. We started by reading the first chapter as a class. A big moment in that chapter is when the one wish Auggie, the main character, has is to be treated like a normal kid. So we had a great class discussion about what one wish each of them has. It was a wonderful way to have the students get to know each other and find people with similar interests. It also helps point out what is important to each and everyone of them. We talked about how we can help each other make our wishes come true (Though I told some there was nothing I could do to if they wished for no school ever again!, :) We could definitely make school fun and interesting). I feel this helped my class come together and be defined as a community and not individual students.
This book helped solidify our school-wide theme "Choose Kind!" The students have been able to identify examples of kindness throughout the book and emulate those actions in our classroom, our school, and beyond. The students may not have the physical differences that the main character has, but every single of of them has been able to relate to him in some way and that has fostered empathy and compassion that shines in their actions and words when interacting with each other.
As you might have guessed, the fact that these books were the students, and not on loan was a shock to them. I wanted this to be our touchstone book; a book we come back to time and again as we learn new reading strategies and writing skills. We have underlined great figurative language and sentences that help us understand the characters. At first, the students were hesitant to write in the books, afraid of the consequences, but as they saw the importance of bring the words and phrases into their learning, they love how they have felt an ownership of the literature.
Thank you again, from the bottom of my bursting heart, for your generosity and kindness!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Gilbert