Past projects 3
Creating with Chromebooks in the Classroom
Funded Jul 31, 2019This thank you letter is long overdue, but nonetheless, I want you to know what a difference your donation to the technology project has made this school year. I honestly wish I had filmed the day that I first showed the new, white Chrome-books to my students. I played it up big and left the computers in their boxes so that it would seem like a gift had just been delivered for them. The wide-eyed looks on their faces was priceless as I showed them each laptop and explained that people they didn't know at all had paid for the computers that they would be able to use all year. They were so excited and appreciative-I really wish all of you could have seen it.
Beyond the excitement of that first day, however, all of my students have continued to benefit greatly from the additional computers in the room. They have been especially helpful to my two "newcomers" this year-one from Mexico and the other from Guatemala. Being new to the country, they are both learning English for the first time. The school does not have any specific resources for these students, so I really can't imagine how I would have been able to teach these two students throughout the day without the laptops they each use. With their Chrome-books, they have access to Duolingo-a language learning program that helps them learn English and Khan Academy in Spanish for math.
Other students have benefitted from having the additional Chrome-books as well in a variety of ways. Students use them when they are ready to publish a writing piece which gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. When students struggle with a concept in math, they use the laptops for additional math instruction as well. The laptops have been invaluable when different students need to research a topic that they are studying. Overall, the students have benefitted greatly from additional practice online, being able to have finished looking writing projects and using technology to stay engaged and motivated in their learning.
The students in my classroom reap the benefits of your generosity each and every day.”
With gratitude,
Teacher Whitten
Vast and Varied Classroom Library
Funded Aug 10, 2016I really cannot thank you enough for donating to my classroom library this year. As you may know, I am a Resource Teacher at a middle school and I work with economically disadvantaged students with disabilities. Unfortunately, all of my students read below grade level, some by as much as four years. In the past, it was a challenge finding reading material for my students and I have spent a lot of time asking for book donations from families who buy books for their children and used book sales. What I found is that students are really much more interested in reading books that are new, that have that "new book smell" if you will. So, the brand new books that I was able to purchase with this Donor's Choose project have been a huge success with my students.
At our school, students are given the opportunity to read independently during school. They choose books at their guided reading level and are more interested in their reading because they are able to choose their own books, rather than being told what to read. We encourage students to try different genres of course, but they are able to keep themselves engaged in reading because they are truly enjoying what they read. We have had remarkable success using this reading program and have seen students who have not grown in years in their reading levels make make one and a half to two years growth in one school year.
Providing interesting, engaging books for all of my students, regardless of their level is so important to increase their reading levels. This year, because of donors like you, my students have so many books to choose from! They come in to my room during breaks and after school to peruse the library and check out books. You will be happy to know that your donation has helped students who generally do not read at home to read many books independently this year! What's more, they are excited about books and reading again, some perhaps for the first time in their lives.
Thank You again, for your caring and your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Teacher Whitten
For the Love of Reading!
Funded Aug 15, 2016I really cannot thank you enough for donating to my classroom library this year. As you may know, I am a Resource Teacher at a middle school and I work with economically disadvantaged students with disabilities. Unfortunately, all of my students read below grade level, some by as much as four years. In the past, it was a challenge finding reading material for my students and I have spent a lot of time asking for book donations from families who buy books for their children and used book sales. What I found is that students are really much more interested in reading books that are new, that have that "new book smell" if you will. So, the brand new books that I was able to purchase with this Donor's Choose project have been a huge success with my students.
At our school, students are given the opportunity to read independently during school. They choose books at their guided reading level and are more interested in their reading because they are able to choose their own books, rather than being told what to read. We encourage students to try different genres of course, but they are able to keep themselves engaged in reading because they are truly enjoying what they read. We have had remarkable success using this reading program and have seen students who have not grown in years in their reading levels make make one and a half to two years growth in one school year.
Providing interesting, engaging books for all of my students, regardless of their level is so important to increase their reading levels. This year, because of donors like you, my students have so many books to choose from! They come in to my room during breaks and after school to peruse the library and check out books. You will be happy to know that your donation has helped students who generally do not read at home to read many books independently this year! What's more, they are excited about books and reading again, some perhaps for the first time in their lives.
Thank You again, for your caring and your generosity.
Sincerely,
Ms. Whitten”
With gratitude,
Teacher Whitten