Past projects 12
Escaping the Classroom
Funded Aug 1, 2022In my US Government and AP US Government classes, whiteboards are essential tools for engaging students and deepening their understanding of complex concepts. Many students feel anxious about sharing their ideas aloud, so I utilize activities like the Frayer Model to help them critically analyze concepts, review prior knowledge, and apply their learning to current events. This activity not only fosters critical thinking but also provides a collaborative and supportive environment where students feel comfortable contributing.
Whiteboards also serve as a versatile platform for practicing test-taking strategies and planning responses to writing prompts. In AP Government, I assign small groups 2-3 questions, challenging them to answer and justify their responses. This collaborative approach not only reinforces content knowledge but also cultivates the skills students need for success on assessments.
With the addition of larger whiteboards and supplies, my students will have an enhanced workspace to demonstrate their knowledge collaboratively. These tools also allow me to effectively model activities, scaffold learning, and introduce engaging competitions that foster both enthusiasm and deeper comprehension.
Incorporating games and team challenges has consistently proven to increase student engagement, understanding, and confidence. By creating an interactive and supportive classroom environment, this project will ensure students are better prepared to tackle the complexities of government studies and succeed in class.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
Seats for Smiles: Comfort for Every Student!
Funded Dec 2, 2024I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and support in funding our DonorsChoose project, Seats for Smiles: Comfort for Every Student! Your contribution has truly transformed our classroom environment.
Your kindness has shown my students that there are people out there who care deeply about their education and well-being. This has inspired them to work harder and appreciate the power of community support.
Thank you for believing in us and for making a difference in our classroom. We are so grateful for your generosity!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
World Geo Globetrotters
Funded Jun 5, 2022Thank you for the supplies of the 3M Post-It Dry Erase surface. My students were happy to see the supplies and the question book for AP US Government.
I have the dry erase surface on my wall next to my smartboard to model for students graphic organizers, reading analysis activities, and outlines. My students are able to copy the graphic organizers in their notebooks to give them examples on how to analyze excerpts about the concepts we are learning in class.
The AP Government Question book has provided students an additional resource to practice answering AP Style questions for preparation of their Exam. Thank you for assisting me in furthering my students' education.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
Increasing Student Confidence!
Funded Oct 14, 2022Very excited to have the project fully funded! Thank you very much. I can’t wait to tell my students on Monday. They will be able to build upon their critical thinking skills, which in turn will increase confidence to do well. I can’t wait to see the light bulb moments in class.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
Effectively Instituting Instructional Strategies
Funded Apr 7, 2021Thank you for funding "Effectively Instituting Instructional Strategies." With the use of the iPad I'm able to work one on one with my students showing them research strategies, images, news clips which are associated with their Service-Learning Projects. As students post items in their class folders in the LMS, I can open and provide timely feedback with annotations just like I would if they were turning in paper assignments.
Now that we are back in school, I am able to move freely about the classroom and mirror what I have on the iPad to my Smartboard. This comes in handy when analyzing data on a public opinion poll or looking at the most recent editorial cartoon from an online newspaper.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
Pear Deck for the Virtual Classroom
Funded Dec 15, 2020Thank you for your donations to bring Pear Deck to my students.
During the 2020-2021 SY, my students needed the interaction Pear Deck provided while at home. I was able to engage with my students not only with the content but also connect with them using Social-Emotional Learning.
My students loved the fact they could draw and annotate their notes/slides and have a copy emailed for future reference. Last year there were many difficulties that we were able to overcome with donors like you. We at Lake Taylor High Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
Expanding Flexible Sitting in the Classroom
Funded Sep 1, 2019Before the closure of schools, my students loved the flexible seating options given with this project. I set up a corner of the room where students can come together to work and to relax. I tend to stay after school often with students and the seating provided gives students the option to be a little more comfortable while studying.
When the seating first showed up they were flabbergasted. I told them that generous donors provided the funds to make our learning environment more enjoyable. Hopefully, over the next year we can start using the couches again so that students are comfortable learning in the classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
Redesigning the AP Course
Funded Sep 2, 2018Thank you very much for the funding of the review books for AP Government. With the redesign, my students were able to use the information and the practice questions provided to review and gain confidence prior to taking their AP Exam.
One of the lessons I would use the books would be the analysis of a question. In a small group I would have a students choose a topic and the other 3 students would find a question each in their books. They would rank them by difficulty and then provide a response. If they answered the question incorrectly they would have to use a reading strategy and read a section to provide explanations for the incorrect responses.
As the test comes closer I will have students check out the books to assist in their review.
Thank you for the books they will be utilized again next year.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
This classroom project was brought to life by Amy Hayes & Sophie Leake Memorial Fund and 4 other donors.Flexible Seating to Engage and Empower
Funded Mar 27, 2018Thank you for the funding of this project. My students are loving the options for the flexible seating in the classroom. Instead of sitting in the traditional desks they a few of them have the option of sitting with a couple of other students on the futon and collaborate on the topics discussed in class.
There are times after school a few of my students would wonder into the classroom to sit on the futon and read or work on their homework. I would like to take the next step and expand upon my flexible seating options in the classroom.
Thank you for making my first attempt a successful one!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
This classroom project was brought to life by Amy Hayes & Sophie Leake Memorial Fund and 4 other donors.Further the Understanding of European History
Funded Sep 29, 2016Dear Donors,
Thank you very much for the donation of the "Modern European History" books. Two days after we received word that the project was funded we received the books and my students started using them right away.
It has been difficult the last few years to obtain students in the AP European history course because students thought it was difficult to learn the content and skills needed to be successful on the AP exam in May. This year's students are really interested in the content and the book will help especially when they will have to learn content on their own.
This year's class has grown from the previous year to six students. I am hoping that this years' students will spread the word about the class and how much they enjoy it not only learning the content but the use of the material in order to have more students join the course next year.
Thank you very much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Porter
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Donor and 3 other donors.