Past projects 14
Successful Students in the Making!
Funded Dec 19, 2014Wow! Thank you so much for what you've done for my class. When the students found out that we'd be getting new math and reading resources, they were so excited! They were even more excited to try everything out for the first time.
We make sure to use the materials frequently in class. The board games are excellent for small group work, and the kids love being able to work independently on something we've been doing in class. The listening center has been a huge hit, especially because we can use it in so many different subject areas. Student get to hear multiplication songs during small groups in math, and we are able to use the listening center for reading and science as well. I especially love all of the vocabulary, sight word, and context clues materials. We used these often during small group tutoring.
Having these resources has made math and reading fun for the students, and they are eager to practice what we've learned in class. I love seeing my students so excited to learn something new, and asking every day if they can use the new materials. It's so wonderful to have this kind of opportunity for them to learn and grow.
Thank you so much for your support. Because of your generosity, my students are excited about learning. We appreciate the opportunity you've given us!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Padilla
Musicians in Progress!
Funded Jan 20, 2014Thank you so much for your help in making this project come true! When we first received the donation, my class was thrilled. They couldn't wait to try out the instruments and hear what everything sounded like! They loved creating their own rhythms in music class.
Because of our school's location and the underprivileged population it serves, it is important to me that my students have the same opportunities as students in other communities. That's why music is so important to me. When students have a chance to learn with hands-on, fun, and purposeful materials, they run with it. That's what I see my students doing. Many of them became "experts" in an instrument and used that knowledge to teach others about it. One of my students who is very quiet and usually keeps to herself really loves music. My students decided to have a "parade day" with their new instruments, and my shy student led the parade. My students even had the opportunity to allow another class to play the instruments during lunch.
Again, I want to say how thankful I am that my students have received this opportunity to learn and make music. Your generosity has touched not just my class, but the other students in my school as well. I am looking forward to the next school year and the opportunity to continue teaching music to children.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Padilla
We Need Books!
Funded Oct 18, 2013I want to thank you so much for what you've done for our classroom. My students take their first big standardized test this year, but they entered the year so far behind in reading. With the new materials we received, the students are now able to practice reading books at their level and play games to make reading fun and exciting.
When we came into the classroom and saw all the boxes of materials, the kids had to take time out for a dance party. I've never seen them so excited. The leveled books are just what they needed. My students don't have to guess anymore when they go to our classroom library. Instead, they can pick out a book that is exactly what they need and read it. Because the leveled sets came with a reproducible worksheet (my kids call them "book reports"), the students are being challenged to actually comprehend and answer questions about what they've read. They love filling out their "book reports" and sharing them later.
The games and at-your-seat centers are also a huge boost to my classroom. The students are so excited when they get to play one of the comprehension games. Their favorite is a mystery Bigfoot game. They can't wait for group time (which they used to dread) because now, they can play the games and work on their own while still building their reading ability.
However, their favorite part by far is the read aloud James and the Giant Peach. The kids love it. In the afternoon before we go home, the students find a cozy spot in the classroom and open up their books. The CDs play on the speakers, and the kids can follow along while someone reads the book to them. They are so interested in the story and so excited to find out how it ends.
I've never seen my kids so excited about books. They are eager to read now, and I can see the results when we are working in the classroom. I believe that they can be on-level by the end of this school year, and that these materials are pushing them closer and closer every day. Thank you for giving them this opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Padilla
Let Us Hear the Music!
Funded Sep 11, 2013Thank you again for your help. My students love the new music materials in our classroom. As a musician myself, I can't say enough how much this project has meant to me and how great it is to see my students playing music in my classroom. When I told them that the recorders were coming, they had a little dance party in my room! They were so excited and happy. They've loved playing the instruments and they are preparing a few pieces to play for our holiday concert.
We try to play the instruments daily, and on Friday afternoons, we have our special "music day" when the students get to play their own songs. The books that came help my students learn to read (and write) music, which is a great skill for them to learn. Many of them love music, and they spend the day tapping out or humming songs that they later try playing on the recorders. We play songs that go along with our reading materials and we have little "meetings" where one student will play a beat and they others make songs over it.
Having the recorders has been an awesome boost in my classroom. For students who can barely afford shoes or the school uniform shirt, this is a great opportunity. They get to learn music on their own instrument, in a school that doesn't have the resources to fund a music class. The principal is also very excited to have the kids perform at the holiday show.
Thank you again for making this happen for us. My students, co-workers, and I are very grateful and happy for this opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Padilla
This classroom project was brought to life by South Florida Kia Retailers and 6 other donors.