Past projects 4
Keeping Cool for Academic Success!
Funded May 7, 2025I'm writing on behalf of my students and myself to give you my heartfelt thanks in helping us purchase an air conditioner for our classroom. I can't wait for my students to enjoy learning in a classroom environment that is comfortable and they enjoy spending time in.
Without the distraction and discomfort that the summer heat will cause, your generosity allows my students to learn more comfortably, concentrate better, and continue finding the overall school experience enjoyable. For years to come, this air conditioner will benefit not just our current class but also upcoming ones. It's one of those gifts that never stops giving, enabling us to create an environment that fosters learning and creativity. Your generosity has filled me with happiness knowing that there are people like yourselves out there who care about our children as much as we do.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Rivera
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and 2 other donors.Let the Games Begin
Funded Feb 12, 2025I wanted to thank you for your gracious support of our effort to bring math board games into my class. Your gift has allowed my students to be exposed to the fun and interactive tools of the games, and they are all enjoying learning mathematics in ways previously unimaginable. The impact that these games have had with my students has been amazing!
When the games initially came in, my students were totally hyped. They were buzzing with excitement as they all crowded into learning the new instruments. They were all so ready to dive in and begin playing. These games have turned math into something they look forward to. The enthusiasm and energy are now a part of every math class!
A perfect example of how we've utilized the games in class was when we were studying multiplication recently. I had grouped the class and assigned a different math board game to each group. The students worked in groups to tackle multiplication problems, move their pieces forward, and strategize about how they could win the game. The challenge was so encouraging that all of the resistant students became more positive and collaborative. Observing them working in pairs, discussing issues with each other, and helping each other resolve problems was inspiring. It was such a great experience for me as an educator because I got to watch them learn while also enjoying themselves at the same time.
The games have accomplished much more than just reinforcing elementary mathematical ideas. They have fostered team work, communication, and problem-solving that no class can provide. Most of my students are more confident using maths too, and their attitude now shifts from fear of this subject to enthusiasm and motivation. It has also been great to see students who perhaps did not get involved quite so much with whole-class activities just dive at the game and take the lead in their smaller groups. It's given them a sense of ownership in their learning, and I've seen a noticeable boost in their confidence.
The beauty of the games is that they allow for differentiated learning. Some students are able to practice foundational math concepts, while others can challenge themselves with more complex problems. It's been a wonderful way to meet the varying needs of all my students, ensuring that everyone is engaged at their own level.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Rivera
Whiteboard Wonders: Enhancing Classroom Learning
Funded Oct 8, 2024On behalf of our entire class, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous donation towards our new whiteboard. Your contribution made it possible for us to enhance the classroom environment and this has had a positive effect both on the students' enthusiasm and their learning.
Since the whiteboard came to us, it has really served a big part in every lesson we have done. Be it solving equations in mathematics or creating pieces of writing or even participating in class presentations, everything has become more effective and learners friendly. Recently, during a group activity where several students had solve some addition and subtraction problems, they were able to use our magnetic base ten manipulative to model the process of addition and subtraction. Such an environment encourages students' inclusiveness and contribution which would have been much more difficult without the magnetic whiteboard.
The students were absolutely thrilled when they first saw the new whiteboard. They were very proud, and it really helped foster a sense of ownership in their learning. Looking ahead, the whiteboard will continue to play a critical role in our upcoming lessons. Next week, they will be learning about equivalent fractions and will use the board to movie fraction pieces around as they develop a clear understanding of what equivalent fractions are. It's an exciting hands-on way to dive deeper into the material, and we couldn't do it without your support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Rivera
This classroom project was brought to life by The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation and 2 other donors.Math is Alive
Funded Sep 19, 2018I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation, my sincere appreciation for helping get much needed math materials into my classroom. One material we use on a daily basis is the student problem solving journal. Having each student have a personal journal where we can do a problem of the day without having the trouble of writing these problems down has been extremely helpful. We are spending so much time discussing the problem rather than writing it. We have more time to share strategies and ideas.
The write on, write off grids and number lines have allowed us to practice good adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing skills by helping students align numbers properly and using number lines to add, subtract and round numbers.
My students were so excited when I unpacked all f the materials and couldn't wait to get their hands on them. They kept asking questions such as: What is this for? What is this called? What lessons will they be used for? Can we use them now? As I explained to them where the materials came from, many felt shocked that people would just give money just like that to buy materials fro strangers. I explained to them that there are many people out there who value education, value kids and their future and therefore don't mind donating because they know, students will benefit from them.
There are still some materials I haven't unpacked such as the power of ten sliders. These has always been such a difficult skill/concept to teach students, specially those who have trouble with math. I'm so excited to have that at my disposal and be able to provide for my students when the time comes. Thank you again.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Rivera
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 3 other donors.