Past projects 8
A Seat at the Table in Kindergarten!
Funded Sep 6, 2024I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of myself and my kindergarten students, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your generous donation, which has allowed us to purchase new classroom tables. Your kindness and support mean more than words can convey.
Thanks to your contribution, we now have sturdy, child-friendly tables that provide a safe and comfortable learning environment. These tables are not just pieces of furniture; they are tools that will foster creativity, collaboration, and learning. From colorful art projects to hands-on math activities, these tables will serve as a foundation for countless moments of growth and discovery.
Seeing the excitement and joy on my students' faces as they sit at their new tables has been truly heartwarming. They now have a dedicated space that supports their small hands and big dreams, enabling them to focus on the activities that help them learn and thrive.
Your generosity reminds us of the incredible power of community and the difference that caring individuals like you can make in the lives of young learners. Your investment in their education will have a lasting impact, not only in their academic journey but also in shaping their confidence and love for learning.
Once again, thank you for your kindness and support. You have made a significant difference in our classroom, and we are endlessly grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
Hands-on Math Learning in First Grade
Funded Nov 20, 2023When the materials first arrived, the students were curious about the activities and wanted to explore. I introduced the games in small groups. This allowed me to explain the directions and provide an opportunity for the students to explore the games and learn how to play. They became so excited and worked together to solve the problems. They couldn't wait to begin using them in workstations.
The students have been using our new resources on a daily basis in math workstations. They pick the skills they want to work on and find a partner to complete the activity. Students are engaged with the materials and they work collaboratively to help each other and support each other's learning.
I observed the students working with the materials; they were supporting each other using academic vocabulary and giving high fives when their peers answered correctly. It was so wonderful to see!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
Wobbling Our Way to Learning!
Funded Nov 27, 2018The day the boxes arrived was a very exciting day. Another teacher and I unpacked all of chairs, placed them on our classroom rug, and covered them with table clothes. When the students arrived the next day, they were very curious about what was under the table clothes. They all gathered around and I revealed the chairs to the class. They were cheering, clapping, and jumping up and down. They couldn't wait to use their new chairs.
The students are enjoying their wobble chairs! The chairs allow students to wiggle while completing their work. It provides them the opportunity to move and expend some energy while still focusing on an assignment.
Thank you for supporting our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous donor and 28 other donors.Small Group Learning
Funded Mar 8, 2016When the packages arrived, we opened them together as a class. I showed the students the crates and they looked a little puzzled. I explained how they would be used and showed them a picture of what they would look like when completed. Then they became excited and could not wait to use them during small group time.
When I brought in the completed seat crate, groups were anxiously waiting to be called for reading time. I called the first group, they sprung out of their chairs, and strutted over the seats with big smiles on their faces. They sat down and expressed how comfortable the seats felt.
Thank you again for making learning fun and comfortable in my kindergarten class!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
Teaching Through Technology
Funded Sep 15, 2015The class and I were so excited when the computers arrived. We unpacked them immediately and discussed how we were going to use them as part of our daily routine. The children shared how they could practice their letters, sight words, and numbers. They talked about how they could use Starfall.com to practice their letters and letter sounds, they could use PBSkids for games, and a ABCmouse.com for numbers and shapes.
I set up a schedule where each student had two 30 minute blocks a week to work on specific skills they needed to improve academically. This has been a great opportunity for students to work on their specific skills in a fun and engaging way. It has also improved their computer skills, such as, using the keyboard to log in and navigating the mouse.
Thank you for your generous donation! It has had such a profound impact on classroom instruction and the academic success of my students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
Getting Kindergarten Organized!!
Funded Nov 8, 2014The students were excited when we received our package of new supplies. I shared what we were going to use the items for and they became excited that they would have a pocket attached to their chair where they could keep their journals and other materials we use in a daily basis. I began to write the student's names on the pockets and distributing them to each student to put on their seats. They were very excited to organize their materials.
We use the seat pockets to keep language arts and math journals along with their weekly leveled books and daily work. The seat pockets have kept tables organized and kept learning materials at the student's finger tips. This has cut down on distribution time and made transitions smoother.
Thank you for supporting my class!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
Super Science Learning In Kindergarten!
Funded Oct 9, 2013The students were excited when the packaged arrived. We opened it together and discussed the contents of the box. First, we read the labels on each drawer and discussed what might be in each one. Next, we went through each draw and looked at all the contents. Finally, we discussed what we could use the materials for during science.
As a class we were learning about plants. The students learned about the parts of the plant. For an activity, the students were given magnifying glasses (from the kit) to examine the soil that the plants grow in. Using the magnifying glasses the students were able to see the roots more clearly and identify the white balls as food for the plants.
The materials in the kit provided more hands on science activities for my students. It has allowed them to learn through exploration. It also created an opportunity for the class to have rich conversations about what they learned during the activity.
We greatly appreciate your donation which contributed to us receiving this wonderful learning materials!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella
Listening Center
Funded Sep 17, 2013Soon after receiving all of your donations a box arrived at my classroom.
While opening the package I had the students gather around the carpet and we did it together. They were so excited about the CD player, they began talking to neighbors about what books they were going to listen to and how fun it would be. Over the next few days I instructed the students on how to use the CD player so they would be able to work it independently.
The students use the listening center during language arts centers everyday. They love putting on the headphones and escaping into a book. In one of our units we read "The Kissing Hand." Then, during centers they had the opportunity to listen to the book on CD. I watched one day as they followed along and then began to act out the book with their partner. It warmed my heart to see the joy they received from listening to the story and how engaged in the activity they were.
The project has provided another medium for the students to listen to a story, which has increased their comprehension, vocabulary, and a love for reading. It has also provided them with the opportunity to have meaningful conversations centered around a common text with peers and adults.
Thank you for supporting my classroom project it has been a blessing!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Cardarella