Past projects 10
Calm, Sensory-Rich, Alternate Learning Environment Support
Funded Sep 18, 2024We have been loooooooooving the flexible seating in our classroom and the sensory tools have transformed our ICT classroom into a more dynamic, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Students are naturally gravitating toward the flexible seating options, like the beanbag chairs and floor cushions, during group activities and independent work. Memorable moments occur often when students collaborate in groups while sitting at the floor table, sharing ideas with a level of enthusiasm and engagement we hadn't seen before.
The calming station has become a crucial resource for emotional regulation. For example, our students now regularly uses our "Affirmation Station" and vibrating pillow to self-soothe during challenging moments, returning to the group more focused and ready to learn. Additionally, the wobble cushions and chair bands have provided students with sensory processing needs a way to release energy without disrupting the class.
When the materials arrived, the students were overjoyed! Their excitement was palpable as they unpacked each item, testing out the beanbags, exploring the calming strips, and eagerly setting up the sensory corner. Their faces lit up as they realized the space had been transformed to better suit their needs.
This project has not only enhanced our classroom environment but also empowered students to take control of their learning and emotions. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in their daily lives, creating a space where they can thrive both academically and emotionally. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping to make it a reality!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 16 other donors.Mindful Meditation Through Sound Therapy
Funded Nov 30, 2021Sending so much gratitude for the support to make this project come to life! Teaching PreK through 5th grade this year has been such a gift. The littles have loved all of the new sound meditation tools in their classrooms. It has brought them to life, hearing the vibrations of the tools, while tuning into the sounds to practice mindfulness.
Each week, I have brought in a new tool for them. They become so excited and really ground in their bodies and connect with the sounds. We have discussed how the sounds make them feel, as well as used to sounds to talk about the somatic sensations they bring up in the body. This has allowed for so many discussions centered around the topic of sensations.
Next, I will begin to empower students to lead their own meditations for the group, using sound. Students have loved experimenting with the tools, while also learning meditation all year. Really looking forward to seeing them step into their leadership in this capacity!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 16 other donors.Mindfulness Professional Development and Teacher Training
Funded Jul 11, 2020I just began taking classes with Mindful Schools and I can already tell it is going to be a fruitful journey. These past few years, I have delved deep into my Mindfulness Practices and the impetus to that was Mindful Schools. Their curriculum so resonates with my life in the classroom and gives me all the tools I need to grow.
This particular course I'm taking is all about their curriculum. I am learning to teach the different topics of curriculum, so I can be a better teacher for my students. I want my students to be mindful, focused, and calm this year. Already, we have been doing breathing exercises and focusing awareness activities.
I can't wait to see what this year has to offer, for myself and for my students. I know I will be giving them experiences that they will take with them the rest of their lives.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
Enhancing Our Sound Meditations
Funded Nov 20, 2019Sending so much appreciation to our generous donors for their gift to our project. We have been having weekly sound meditations, where other classes besides my current roster, are enjoy times of calm, mindfulness, and awareness.
When I first opened the package, students were in awe at all the fun things that came. We have been using each instrument in isolation, tuning into the vibration and the sound. We have been learning to breathe along with the tones and connect to the present moment through this useful method.
Whenever I inform the children they have a sound meditation for the day, I am usually met with cheers. Thank you so much for making this possible for me and my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
Sound Meditation and Mindfulness
Funded Oct 10, 2019We are so grateful for your endless support as you respond with generosity to our project. The children have been loving all your gifts to us! We have sound meditations weekly and gain so much from this time.
We look forward to listening to and using the instruments each week. I have begun to allow the children to experiment with the instruments and it gets them so tuned in to the present moment.
We are so grateful to you for always responding when we need the support. I hope you enjoy the Thank You package and pictures.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
Alternate Classroom Environment: Promoting Sensory Awareness, Mindfulness, and Flexible Seating
Funded Aug 13, 2019My students have been loving all the new additions to the classroom! Each day when a package arrived, the children were excited as I opened the boxes to show them all their new tools. We have been learning how to use our sensory options and have had many moments of mindfulness during these times.
The new seating options have provided more comfort for learning and has assisted some of us in sitting still and/or getting out our energy. All children have been exposed to the various seating options and the children have been able to seek out and express what works for them and what doesn't. It is a beautiful thing to see how they inhibit responsibility to these items and how they will voluntarily give something up, so a student who may truly need it, gets to use it.
The sound components have assisted us in mindfulness, as we have had some time meditating and tuning into the sounds I play for the children. This time of sound meditation then transfers over to supporting our focus during instructional time!
Thanks again to all who donated to our project!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 24 other donors.Ms. Kender's Class Needs Flexible Seating
Funded Aug 5, 2018We recently entered our second month of school and our flexible seating layout in a huge success, helping students in our class focus and stay on task! The Wobble Chairs are helping those children who tend to wiggle in their seats to focus. The standing allows for the children who enjoy standing and working to be more comfortable while working independently. Our floor seating options are accessible to students while sitting on the carpet to enhance stability and support their bodies.
When the students saw their gift, they were so excited to try everything out! We have been moving around the seating to see which options work best for who. Students are allowed to request their seating option and try out what works best for them.
We thank you so much for your generous donations and are using your gifts to help us grow! Our next step is adding more flexible seating to the classroom to allow more students to use it.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
We Would Love a Reading Nook!
Funded Dec 31, 2017We have been busy at work in our classroom, finishing up all of our reading writing and math units. What has been a great addition to our classroom is our Reading Nook! This children have been so excited with our new addition to our classroom!
Right away, I had to establish a routine and expectation with the Reading Nook. All were eager to use it. All students have had access to this area so far and we've done so by making a schedule and offering incentives in order for them to go to this special place.
It's been so wonderful seeing the children read together on the bean bag chairs. Or when they excitedly run up to me in pairs and ask if they can lounge and read or write together. It has definitely encouraged them to do better, or relax while working, to get more accomplished.
From class 2-213, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
Science! Experiments! Magnets!
Funded Dec 21, 2016Thank you again, parents, for your wonderful contribution to my classroom! These past few weeks, we have been learning about magnets and their properties. I first started the unit having children become familiar with the content specific vocabulary. Next, we made hypotheses. Finally, these past few lessons, I have allowed the children to manipulate the magnets to see what they attract, don't attract and repel. The pictures that are included show the children working within their science stations, testing materials to see if the have magnetism.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender
We Need an ELMO, Not A Stuffed Animal
Funded Dec 18, 2016Thank you so much for your generous donations to our classroom community receiving an ELMO!! We are thrilled each and every day to project our texts, work and experiments on the SmartBoard! We are now learning to write in cursive and the students watching me during this intricate process is benefiting them in more ways that I previously imagined! Also, during this moth, we have been reading biographical nonfiction texts and have learned so much more by analyzing illustrations and other nonfiction text features on the SmartBoard. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Kender