Past projects 43
Goal Getters
Funded Dec 12, 2018In the short time that we have had these resources, I have already begun to explore most of them with my students. Last Friday, we played alphabet bingo for the first time- students had so much fun and were proud of themselves for recognizing letters that they did not know at the beginning of the year.
Receiving these games and resources was like another Christmas for my students. They could not wait to open and explore them. By providing materials that are both educational and fun, I can help my students develop a love of learning while helping them grow academically- while the whole time they think they are playing games!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
Transforming Our Classroom
Funded Sep 7, 2018Thank you for your contribution to my classroom environment. I spent countless hours this summer transforming the classroom into a rainforest. I painted murals on the wall, hung up pictures, and did everything I could think of to make the classroom magical. However, I was still missing a rug that went with our new classroom theme.
The new rug really ties everything together and makes the classroom theme coherent. Students use the rug to do their independent work- making numbers out of Play-Doh, using their magnetic letters to form words, reading independently, and more.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
Terrific Tablets
Funded Sep 2, 2018The Samsung Galaxy tablet has been a great addition to our classroom. Some of the apps I have downloaded on it include Starfall ABCs, 123 Numbers, ABC Spelling, Math Kids, and more! I do not have to worry about this tablet freezing or having technical issues, like some of the other pieces of technology in the classroom. The tablet provides a seamless educational experience for my students. With the case, I know it can handle student wear and tear. My students can access this tablet completely independently- they do not need my help to log on or get on an app. It has increased their independence, which is critical for my scholars!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and one other donor.A Library for Little Learners
Funded Aug 22, 2018Thank you for your support with this project. Expanding our library has made read alouds and independent reading time much for fun for my students. I use these books as read aloud stories, and we discuss the story elements such as character and setting to help students develop their reading comprehension skills. My students also love to look through these books during independent reading time, as they are beautifully illustrated with characters who reflect my students' identities.
Thank you again for your continued support of my classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.Accessories for Success Stories
Funded Aug 20, 2018Thank you for your support in making this project happen. These technology accessories have improved our classroom organization, as well as my students' ability to use the technology we already have to its full capacity.
Many of my students have occupational difficulties, so using a trackpad on a laptop is very difficult for them. The mouse helps them navigate websites more effectively. Additionally, the headphones we received as a part of this project have stood up to the typical demands of a classroom of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 3 other donors.Increasing Independence
Funded May 9, 2018My students love their new games and activities. They are able to set up and complete the activities independently or with a friend, with minimal adult assistance. This not only helps me save time, but it helps them build their confidence. The more things my students learn to do on their own, the more risks they will be willing to take in the classroom-and the more dramatic academic growth they will make.
As we begin a new school year, I will be teaching new students how to use these supplies. I can't wait to see how it impacts their daily learning!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
This classroom project was brought to life by General Motors and 3 other donors.Back to Basics
Funded Apr 16, 2018My students and I have really appreciated the resources from this project. Having a Nutri-Grain bar for snack every day helps students stay focused on their work until lunch. For many students that may be the first thing they eat all day, so it is crucial to their academics that I am able to provide a small snack.
There are never enough tissues in an elementary school! Having plenty of tissues for sniffles and tears helps thing run more smoothly. Same with pencils- students are always losing pencils or breaking them by accident. Enough pencils and erasers helps us focus on doing our best!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
Teacher's Helper
Funded May 4, 2018The iPad from this project has provided tons of benefits to our classroom. I can much more easily track data. I have instant access to student reading and math data points that I can use to inform instruction. I can also use apps to visualize that data to make it easier for my students to track their own progress.
There are numerous educational and productivity apps that I now integrate with my instruction. I can quickly pull up digital copies of textbooks and worksheets for reference or display. I can also use the touchscreen to write or draw on documents to instantly edit or highlight certain points to students.
Your donations have made a huge difference in our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
Let's Get Technical
Funded Mar 19, 2018The seemingly simple items that I requested in this project have a huge impact in the classroom. Most of my students are not able to bring in school supplies from home, so having enough pencils and erasers for everyone is critical to getting our work done efficiently. I love being able to have my students worry about one less thing by making sure I have everything they need for them.
The power strip is another simple item that makes a big difference. Now, all of our technology (Chromebooks and tablets) is able to charge at once. We used to have issues with dead batteries, so the technology that we had became useless. A simple piece of hardware, a power strip, means that we can actually take advantage of all our resources.
Last but not least, tissues! You would be surprised by how many tissues 4th and 5th graders go through (or maybe you wouldn't). Constant runny noses, allergies, and the occasional tears shed mean that tissues are an absolute necessity. Now I am well stocked for the rest of the year, and well into the next school year.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman
Listen Up For Literacy - Part Two
Funded Feb 9, 2018The materials from this project have helped us make our listening center more engaging and rigorous. With multiple copies of books, students can listen together and discuss what they have listened to, since they can all follow along on their own book. The variety of materials means students with all different interests can find something that they like.
Students are proud that they can begin to read and understand more complex texts because of the listening center. For some students, this is the first time they have been able to access chapter books. I love seeing my students enjoying their new books, all thanks to you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hellman