Past projects 5
Writing for Our Futures
Funded Aug 9, 2022These whiteboard tables have been helpful every single day since receiving them and getting them put together. They are far more practical for students than the trapezoid-shaped desks we used to have, and allow students to spread their things out more. Academically, we have been using the tables most frequently for phonics and spelling work. We use the whiteboard tables to engage students in teacher and student-created games, as well as more structured phonics work identifying blends and letter sounds.
My students were SO excited to have the tables! They knew that I received them after many, MANY shipping and delivery delays, and it was a nice surprise after winter break to return to brand new tables. There were gasps, gaping mouths, and wide eyes when they saw the tables, and they are constantly looking for opportunities to write on them during class!
As we finish up our fictional narrative writing unit, students are about to begin revising and editing their stories. Today we practiced incorporating dialogue into our stories, and the tables provided ways for us to practice proper punctuation within lines of dialogue. After we publish our stories, we are throwing a publishing party (or "Book Signing Party" for all the kids!
These tables are something I have wanted for years, but wasn't able to make happen until your generous donations. Teaching is a challenging and stressful job, but knowing that people like you, people who may even be complete strangers, are willing to help make it just a little bit easier, warms my heart!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Silver
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 5 other donors.Escape the Monotony Challenge!
Funded Aug 22, 2018Today my students and I completed our first escape room using the kits you donated to us, and it was so incredible! I used the online resources to print a puzzle that required students to identify the four types of sentences and the proper end punctuation. This is a topic that we have been reviewing and practicing in the classroom for the last two weeks, and I have tried to incorporate fun and hands-on activities, as it isn't an inherently fun topic. Having this escape room kit to add a totally different element of excitement is invaluable.
When I told the students this morning that we would be doing an escape room, they were cheering and excited beyond belief. We broke up into a few smaller groups so that everyone would have a chance to contribute to the completion of smaller portions of the bigger puzzle. As they started, I was so impressed to see them working together and trying to problem solve without my help. They were meeting the academic challenges, and working through the tricky puzzle elements as well.
In the future, I can't wait to be able to try out more puzzles with my kids. They helped me to brainstorm some ideas for how to make it run a little more smoothly. With online access to the pre-made puzzles, the possibilities are endless thanks to you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Silver
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.Technology for Future Leaders
Funded Mar 20, 2018I can't begin to thank you enough for all of your support with my Chromebook project! Our school has Chromebook carts available to sign out, but since they are shared with the entire building, it is not always possible to access them when it is most needed for our lessons in class. I can't tell you how many times a student asks a great question that will launch an incredible discussion requiring some research, and without Chromebooks readily available in our room, these inquiry-based discussions couldn't happen.
In my classroom, we have used the Chromebooks on a regular basis for a number of activities. We use them for typing practice, as that is a necessary skill in today's technological age. We have used them for publishing final drafts of our writing, to have a finished piece the students can be proud of showing off. Many of my students don't have access to working computers or Internet at their homes, so to be able to provide them with daily access to tools that will help them succeed is invaluable. Using the Google interface makes collaborating with other teachers smooth and effortless.
My students enter fourth grade with little to no computer skills, and are leaving fourth grade knowing how to create blank Google documents to type, how to share files with teachers or students to collaborate, and how to work on independent research projects. Without your donations, none of these things would have possible. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your help!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Silver
Today's Readers, Tomorrow's Leaders
Funded Aug 31, 2017onesI cannot begin to thank you enough for your kind and generous donation to my classroom. Many of my students have yet to fall in love with reading like I have, simply because they haven't experienced all of the genres out there or they haven't found that perfect book just yet. We are using these books to set up "book clubs" for students to read books they are interested in, not necessarily just books I have assigned to them because of their reading ability. This allows students to really get invested in a book and in their own learning. They are grouped with other students who chose the same book. This creates a heterogeneous group, where above average students can help struggling readers to comprehend the story in a low-pressure, student-run environment.
We spend time reading every single day, and these books have helped further strengthen skills such as summarizing a text, determining a theme, and character development throughout a novel. It also helps to increase their fluency, along with their reading stamina. Such an importance is placed on heterogeneous ability to sit and read for a period of time, and be able to understand WHAT they just read. These books helps us to practice this skill.
What I love most about these books is that I was able to choose high interest books that my students are excited about. When they saw that we had books called "Loser" and "Mr. Popper's Penguins," it really piqued some of their interests! There are many students who are anxiously awaiting their turn to read the next book. The fact that I have students EXCITED to read is a major win in my book, and it wouldn't have been possible without your help.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Silver
Technology for Future Leaders
Funded Mar 5, 2017Having this technology right in my classroom has helped tremendously in a number of ways. It has helped with getting students more prepared for and comfortable with state testing, which is done on the computer. Additionally, and more long lasting, it's helped to encourage and foster a love of writing in my students. Having the ability to type drafts and edit right alongside them using Google Docs has sped up the writing process, and makes it more exciting for them. I've also been able to use the Chromebooks for supplemental work for students needing an added challenge, or an extra boost.
My students love how accessible the Chromebooks are. Previously, I would have had to sign up a week in advance...sometimes as many as 2-3 weeks in advance to reserve a cart to use. That really isn't ideal for those in the moment situations where students are ready and willing to type or research an item. Those are the moments teachers try to capitalize on, and having the Chromebooks allows us that chance.
I have a few students in particular that, since having the Chromebooks in the room, have absolutely torched through writing assignments, accomplishing more in a few weeks than they did in months prior. These students have really taken to typing, and are producing several finished, edited projects per week. Before, I'd be lucky to get one finished product from them in two weeks. This is exactly what I was hoping for when I started this donation project, and thanks to the many donors like you, it has been possible!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Silver
This classroom project was brought to life by Forever 21 and 7 other donors.