Past projects 27
Bring "The Cay" to My Classroom!
Funded Aug 2, 2009I hope you have received your thank you notes from my students by now. You know, just writing the notes was a lesson in itself being that many had never written a "real" thank you. We had a lot of fun, and it was especially exciting to send you a "friendship bracelet" from our class. It was amazing to my students that someone named "Ann" cares about us!
Thank you again for our books and CD. I can honestly say that I think this reading experience with this particular group of kids was my very favorite so far. We absolutely loved listening to Mr. Boatman's voice with the beautiful accented dialog on the CD. We finished the book fairly quickly because so many students begged to go "just one more chapter." I always gave in! This is my favorite part of teaching--when students realize that they love learning, reading, and exploring new worlds. We wouldn't have had this opportunity without you! It's true--there's no way that our school could have afforded these books. Now all of my classes to come will enjoy Timothy's story as well.
We are beginning the sequel to "The Cay" very soon. We also ordered the movie; it's almost like we just can't let go of the characters that we grew to love. Thanks so much for helping me make a difference. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic
Number The Stars
Funded Dec 6, 2008Thanks to you all so much for funding this project! It will be particularly special because in the spring our local playhouse will be putting on a production of "Number the Stars," so I plan to make a whole unit with the play as the culminating event.
Our little school is so special to me--it's small, close-knit, and just a fabulous place to learn and work. Our only downfall, in my opinion, is simply being underfunded. Your help will make such a difference! Please know that these kids will get to read "Number the Stars," a wonderful story, and it's all because of you! Thanks from the bottom of my heart!
Gret”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic
4th Graders Need Science Experiment Resources
Funded Feb 7, 2009Thank you so much for the awesome trunk of science tools. We have used them quite a bit this year, which is great considering we received them late into the year. We used the hand lenses just last week when dissecting owl pellets. I hope you can see from the pictures that my students were thrilled when we received the box in the mail! It's like Christmas! I decided to post pictures showing them examining our new resources to show their enthusiasm--I think it really shows.
I also want you to know that your support and encouragement has helped me personally this year. It's amazing to me that people like you--who don't know me--care enough about education to make a difference. You motivate me to be a better teacher! Thank you again! These resources will be used for years to come!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic
Yucky, Yucky Science! Help me Motivate my 4th Graders!
Funded Feb 18, 2009Thank you so much for helping me with this project! I hope you can see from the pictures that my students were thrilled with this lesson! We spent a ton of time exploring lots of different aspects from the owl pellets. I definitely want to do this with all my classes in the future; it was my first time presenting the owl pellets--I was a little nervous. However, the reaction was unforgettable.
It is still amazing to me that anonymous donors can care about my students, my classroom, and me! Education is so dear to my heart, and you have been an encouragement to me personally by your support, encouragement, and generosity. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic
Help Me Motivate My Students to Love Science!!
Funded Oct 27, 2008Hooray! I can’t believe my students will soon have a microscope! We are all so excited and looking forward to seeing our world “close up!” I feel so blessed to know that there are people who really care about my students—and me! It’s so easy to fall into the rut of teaching, but having fabulous resources like a microscope brings learning to life and makes my job so much fun—thank you so much!
DonorsChoose.org has already made a significant difference in my classroom. My first project was funded last year, and one more funded project soon followed. These resources have improved my class in ways that I expected: the students are excited and eager to learn and they are learning more. However, I have noticed another encouraging development: many of my students are displaying more positive behaviors! I guess it makes sense that students who are bored in the classroom often act out, so having more hands-on activities is a great incentive for those particular students. Thanks to all who helped fund this project. My students send their thanks, too. They’re all smiling and knowing that someone cares about them! You’ve made our week!
Mrs. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic
Bring "Charlotte's Web" to Life in My Classroom!!
Funded Apr 17, 2008Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can't express how much I appreciate your generosity...I have shared the news with my students--and they are thrilled almost as much as I am! This will be something that will be used for years to come. "Charlotte's Web" is truly one of my favorite books which makes me even more motivated to make this a great reading experience for my kids. I am overcome with the generosity of others; it is inspiring to know that someone really cares. It's is my first year of teaching, and I this is my second proposal that has been funded. I'm so grateful that people like you are helping me make my classroom a place that students WANT to be!! Thanks again, and I will send pictures soon!
Mrs. R & a very happy 4th grade clas”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic
Pet Day at School & "Winn-Dixie" Help Me Make Reading Fun!
Funded Apr 13, 2008I can't believe my project has been funded!! Words can't express how excited I am...this is the first time I've received a donation for my classroom, so my students will be thrilled when I tell them. Actually, I was unsure if I'd get the funding for this project, so I went ahead and planned our "Pet Day" for the 24th of this month because my students were so looking forward to it. Several of my students are bringing their pets (or a stuffed animal if they don't have a real pet). As soon as we get the "Winn Dixie" books, we'll get started. Our "Pet Day" will be the kick-off for the entire unit. I've ordered items through Lake Shore Learning (where the project materials will ship from), and they are usually very prompt--so this couldn't be better! Thank you so much...from me...and my students. You have truly made a difference in my classroom...plus knowing that someone really does care has motivated me to work extra hard to make this unit unforgettable for my students”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Bencic