Past projects 4
Integrating Technology into Learning
Funded May 11, 2016Dear NCECP,
The impact that your donation has had on my students has been profound. Their motivation for learning has soared, as they use educational websites to supplement and enrich their learning.
For instance, students who struggle with spelling are able to play fun spelling games and take practice tests on the website SpellingCity.com. This intern, allows them to be successful on tests, building their self esteem. Most recently, students have been logging in to TenMarks.com. On this website, students can complete math assignments tied to the Common Core Standards for Mathematics, which I specifically assign. Videos and hints are provided, if they struggle while answering questions. This allows students to work on their weaknesses, differentiating learning and meeting their needs.
My third graders truly enjoy playing math games on ConnectEd, which is a learning website linked to our math curriculum Everyday Mathematics. So far, students have played Number Grid Difference and Top It. They can play with a friend or on their own. Having students play the games on the chromebooks requires no preparation of materials, saving valuable class time.
Moreover, my students have used the chromebooks to research a big question from our reading unit: "What happens when nature loses its balance?" They were able to watch videos and read articles highlighting various examples of nature losing its balance, such as the effects of water pollution. This helped to build their background knowledge.
Again, I can not thank you enough for your generous donation. My students are beyond grateful to be able to use the chromebooks in the classroom, as am I.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Roberto
Valuable Voices
Funded Oct 29, 2015Thank you very much for your generous donation. Both the USB recording devices and the wireless microphone have enhanced my classroom tremendously. The wireless microphone is used to recite poetry daily as well as on "Poetry and Painting Day" and to share writing pieces during Writing Workshop. When performing Strega Nona as a readers theater piece the students enthusiastically read their parts into the microphone. Moreover, the students have recorded themselves reciting poems such as the poem "A Book Is Like" by Kathy Leeuwenburg. This motivates them to practice their fluency as they reflect on how they sound.
My students absolutely love being able to hear everybody in the class, even the quietest children. They feel important speaking into a microphone and are excited about creating audio books for younger students using the recording devices. My third graders take on the role of a leader when they use the microphone during choral reading. Your donations have livened up the classroom immensely.
My English Language Learners in particular benefit from their voices being recorded. At times their voices are barely audible, partly because of anxiety; however, hearing themselves on an audio recording gives them the confidence to continue speaking aloud in front of the class. Moreover, one student who struggles with reading is currently practicing his fluency in order to create an audio recording of the book The One in the Middle is the Green Kangaroo.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Roberto
Support Student Scientists!
Funded Feb 14, 2015I can't thank you enough for your donation to our classroom! With the resources you've purchased, my students were able to explore science. Thus far, students have observed and analyzed fossils and have experimented with magnetic forces. Students voiced their excitement when introduced to each resource.
Currently, we are finishing up a unit on magnets. I was able to create this science unit because of your generosity. Students started out by testing objects to determine if they were magnetic or not. This cleared up the misconception that all metals are magnetic. Next, students tested out different types of magnets; bar, brick, horseshoe, and ring, to see which type had the strongest magnetic force. Class data was collected and charted. Students learned about compasses and about north and south poles by testing out how magnets affect the needle on a compass. Finally, the children were thrilled to conduct an experiment to determine whether or not they could rescue a paper clip from a cup of water without getting their hands wet. With a magnet, it was possible! To culminate the unit, the children wrote acrostic poems providing facts that they discovered about magnets.
We have yet to use the weather materials, but will wrap up the year with them! I look forward to providing my students with another opportunity for hands on learning. In the past I have had limited materials and resources to provide students with the opportunity to explore as young scientists. Again, thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Roberto
Charlotte's Web Class Set
Funded May 27, 2014My students, as well as myself, were thrilled to receive brand new books from you. It allowed us to share the special experience of reading a timeless novel together. In September, we explored the big question "How do people help one another?" This question led us to discuss vocabulary words such as donate and volunteer. One student stated, "Julianne donated these books to our classroom, she is helpful!" My students flipped through the pages of the books admiring the colorful illustrations.
In my classroom, we applied Keys to Literacy reading strategies to this novel. My third graders learned new vocabulary words, how to write a summary, and about character traits and themes. They created vocabulary and summary booklets. My students truly came to love the characters Wilbur and Charlotte.
This project boosted my teaching, because I was able to share my passion for this classic with my students. They shared my enthusiasm for Charlotte's Web and were engaged in reading. My students have text books, guided reading books, and nonfiction magazines; however, they did not have a beautifully written chapter book that captured their imaginations until now. I am very thankful for your generous donation, as are my students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Roberto