Past projects 2
Our Calm Down Space
Funded Jun 13, 2024My students come in and light up. They know that coming to school is hard work - they're setting goals, reaching them, and learning new things along the way. It's nice to know that the emotional work of learning how to cope with our feelings, the tools and strategies that will help us, and time and effort to complete this work is supported by more than our school and district. Students see the effort put into this space, showing them the great deal of potential and importance these skills are along with their Math and Reading!
Thanks to the donations, multiple students can work on their skill building and still have calming energy to surround them. Multiple stations are made available even more so with the ability to move a "station" with them on some of the flexible seating provided.
We're learning to pause and think, so that we can create solutions. We're learning what helps us tune in and focus after we breathe and what things don't. Through the process, we're learning that people care for us and looking up to those models as we learn to care for ourselves and others.
Thank you again for your help in bringing these items in, to continue to make our space calming and accessible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lasso
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 6 other donors.Lasso's Leaders Pre-K Play
Funded Apr 3, 2023I was and continue to be floored by your generosity. My co-teacher and I have planned and organized each center with careful consideration of the special interests of each student as well as by years of trial and error. When we started working on this list we knew it would be hefty; we receive great support from our public school district, but we were lacking in some areas. We made our dream list and imagined what it would be like for our students to get access to top quality toys to invite exploration and guide learning. Never did we realize that the hard work would become a reality.
I wish you could have seen their faces. Each new box was like opening a whole world of possibilities. Students lit up and were anxiously awaiting their new opportunities. We have videos of dancing, laughter, sharing, and such great joy. One of our biggest "fits of giggles" came when we started unpacking items for our home living center. It was a center that needed the most love. They all saw the new dress up shoes (removing shoes is such a special treat that is so simple to provide!) and immediately wanted to try them on. We all immediately started taking off shoes, holding each other's hands for support (heels are a new feeling!), and strut our stuff around the tables in the room.
A few slips, lots of laughs, and a new list of taking turns started!
These items filled out our centers with a robust set of wonders, exploration, and learning. When our classroom serves as another opportunity to provide that guidance we see an uptick in peer-peer relationships and problem solving opportunities to build our foundation before heading to Kindergarten! THANK YOU sincerely for the love and fun you gave us.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Lasso
This classroom project was brought to life by Black History Month Partners and 15 other donors.