Past projects 17
There's a Rumble in My Tummy!
Funded Nov 28, 2023I want to first thank you for thinking of my kiddos in first. I know there are so many projects on here but to be seen through them all feels special. The inspiration for the project came from a particular student who was brought to school by an older brother in 4th grade. The older brother was struggling to get my first grader to school as well as to make sure he was ready himself, so oftentimes neither of them had breakfast. Our cafeteria closed at 8:30 which meant that most time my kiddo did not eat. As an adult I could barely handle being hungry. I could not imagine being six and having to wait for almost three hours before lunch.
I was using my own money to supply snacks for the classroom to make sure that they had access to something they could eat when they came in. It made a difference with my friend. He knew that even if he was not able to eat at home, that he could grab something from the bin. His morning attitude change and he was more pleasant to be around. If you have never met a hangry six year, it' sort of like Elmo and the Angry emotion from Inside Out. Having those snacks donated saved me tons of money and allowed me to ensure that my students had a good start to their day with a pencil and breakfast bar. Thanks again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and one other donor.Who Ate All the Books?
Funded Dec 29, 2017It is wonderful to be more organized!. When I inherited this classroom, it contained so many other things that had been left behind by the other teacher, that it was hard for me to get things together. That resulted in books that were out of order. Now, thanks to your help, my monsters can find books on their levels more easily. I have always loved the idea of being organized and since the books you ordered for us came with a handy- dandy bin, I have been able to include even more books. We really appreciate that you looked out for us. Have a great day!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
This classroom project was brought to life by Watson One More Foundation and 4 other donors.Monsters Write, Too, Don't You Know!
Funded Dec 18, 2017I cannot tell you how the productivity in writing has increased! When I introduced the gel pens to my students, they oohed and aahed for several moments. They talked about all the things that they would use the materials for. When they go to the writing center, they are eagerly completed their assignments because I allow them to write with the gel pens. Now, my paragraphs are multi-colored representations of what my students can produce. Because they are writing more, their writing has gotten better. Thank you much for helping us out!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
This classroom project was brought to life by Watson One More Foundation and 7 other donors.Is That A Sheet, Ms. S?
Funded Dec 17, 2017Thank you so much for your kind donation. Because of our new screen, we are able to do more work as a whole group. The kids can see better because the sheet is not falling down or ripping. Since they can see the whole picture, the students are paying attention and really focused on the work. This results in increased scores for them.
We also love using it for fun Fridays. Can you imagine trying to watch the Minion movie when the bed sheet keeps falling off the board? Or trying to watch the Emoji Movie when your old screen is ripped all apart? I cannot truly express my appreciation.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
This classroom project was brought to life by Watson One More Foundation and 2 other donors.Monsters, Are You Listening?
Funded Jan 25, 2018I cannot keep them from reading! Not that I would want to, but they love listening to the famous stories. Even the girls like listening to the Thor story and Guardians of the Galaxy book. I even have some students who no longer need to read along with the CD but can now read the story on their own. I want to thank you so much for your kindness and thoughtfulness. I have watched even my least confident student grow into a more sure student who is willing to try reading whether they know all the words or not. Again, the growth I have seen in my kids in such a short time is heartwarming and you can know that you had a part in that. Let me say thank you, thank you, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 4 other donors.The Book Nook
Funded Sep 15, 2017Let me just start by saying that I cannot keep my monsters out of the reading nook! I did not even know that there was memory foam in the rugs, so they are even more comfortable. I find that I am often looking for students and sometimes I am fussing about them leaving the room. Then, as a chorus, the class rings out that that student is in the reading area! I love it! I have also stocked the nook with new books for boys and girls. They are even attempting to tackle the chapter books I introduced to them.
Since they are excited about this nook and reading more, I want to begin them on a research project. It is never too late to learn how to find information! I think you for helping us create a space that is comfortable and inviting and that will encourage my monsters to read!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
This classroom project was brought to life by Watson One More Foundation and one other donor.Monsters Math! Monster Math!
Funded Feb 23, 2017We are nearing the close of a whirlwind of a year! I have been in the trenches with 33 of my very own monsters!! The amount of materials that we used is astonishing. However, having wonderful people like yourselves out there to lend a hand is amazing! Math has been a tough subject for me to teach because I also had some issues with it. I researched the skills needed for my monsters to devour this math and with your help, it paid off. Out of 100%, 89% reached their math goal for the year!! Those who did not reach their goal, improved significantly. Because I was able to get organized and sort things by activities and standard, I was able to focus on those difficult skills more readily in small group. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
Shhh! Monsters, Listen!
Funded Dec 31, 2016It has been such a "quiet" peaceful few days since we received the headphones. Imagine a room full of close to 40 students in one room, all using IPADS. The noise from the IPAD alone makes it sound as if there is a marching band in my room. My students were not even able to focus on whatever activity they had to work on so the point was moot. So we had to stop using them for a while which hurt their hearts. However, because of your kindness, guided reading time, guided math time, and choice time is a more pleasant time of the day. The students are able to focus on their reading and because of this, many of them have increased in their fluency. I even have two second graders who are reading 150 words per minute! There are also students who have increased at least 3 reading levels since using the IPADS! Imagine how much we can accomplish now that we have the headphones. Thank you so much for your kind generosity. It is very much appreciated!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
Monsters, INK!!
Funded Jan 1, 2017Please excuse our late package. Things have been hectic on teacher island. However, it does not change the fact that your donation has meant wonders for my students. I have been able to print out bins that are specific for our math standards. For example, some students are having difficulties adding numbers so I printed and laminated place value charts to help them understand. I also was able to print out a few games that help students with place value and fact fluency. For reading, we were able to further extend our understanding of basic economics, specifically producers and consumers. We cut and pasted the scenarios that matched them. For my struggling readers, I was able to print out and create notebooks for them using worksheets that focused on whatever skills they needed practice with. Because of your kindness, my students are enjoying math time even more because they know they have those bins that they can pull and work with. Thank you so much! It takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders when I am able to print from my room instead of having to go to the office!
The next thing we are working on are making plant textbooks that help us explain to others, as well as to solidify it in our brains, the awesomeness of plants.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem
Now Where Did I Put..........
Funded May 5, 2016LIFE SAVERS!! That is the only way for me to describe these rolling drawers. I have 36 students this year so keeping up with their papers and all the materials I need for them was a chore. Now, I am semi organized and they help me to keep my room tidy. It allows me to have materials out across units, but have them in place where they are not all over the place. I can designate a drawer for math problems and have the materials you need for the activity in the drawers as well. It helps with time management when I cannot spare those few moments looking for dittos, highlighters and writing paper. Until I became a teacher, I never focused on how important organization is until I became a teacher! My students and I are loving these! Thank you once again for your thoughtfulness!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Salem