Past projects 66
School Supply Stock
Funded Feb 9, 2022I did not realize how bad we needed a restock of school supplies until these items arrived in my classroom! Highlighters have become a prized possession for our reading block, and the students are loving the assorted colors. I also can tell that they really appreciate me the new headphones, which was the big ticket item in this project. The old ones I had were too small and broke easily. They love the colors and size of the new ones. I'm so appreciative to all of the donors and boosts that helped us get these items so quickly.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by Black History Month Partners and 3 other donors.Time for a Refresh
Funded Jan 11, 2022We love a good replenish in the classroom, and this one came right on time. My students always get excited when they get to bring a bunch of boxes up to my room, curious about what's inside. I get more excited when they see what is actually inside. This time their favorite was a tie between the new recess equipment and the snacks. For me, its the soap and tissues. I'm loving not having to ask for soap every three days and hoping that it makes it to my room. Now, I'm able to easily refill a bottle when we need it, and it's been a great feeling.
It's been a while since we've been able to go outside because of the cold weather, so as of now my students are just itching to use the new balls. However, they did jump at the chance to take them to the PE teacher to get them inflated, so as soon as we make it outside again they will be used right away. We are extremely grateful for being able to restock things we need.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by #TeachHealthy with Nature Made and 2 other donors.Feeling Inspired
Funded Dec 9, 2021Although my class loves a funny book for read-aloud, I know how much a story with a message can mean to them. You have helped bring us a great assortment of books that remind them how important they are, motivate them to be better in every way, and find ways to achieve goals. Some people think that fifth graders are too old for a story time, but I can assure you that my students appreciate that short time of the day where they just sit, listen, and enjoy a good book.
My students have bright futures, and if it takes one inspiring story to help them reach their goals, I'll know I've done my job.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
A Good Laugh
Funded Dec 9, 2021New books always excite my students and I. It's one of our favorite kinds of projects to make and get funded. I could barely get the books out of the box and take pictures before their hands were all over them! I've caught many of my students gravitating towards the new books, it almost makes me sad for the old ones. Our favorite way to use them is for a whole class read-aloud. I love how much they anticipate a good ending that hits perfectly after a good laugh. Seeing their smiles from a funny book really does make my day.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
Calming Corner
Funded Dec 28, 2021Our Calming Corner has been a huge hit in my class. As soon as I introduced it to my students, many of them were ready to use it right away. I also used one of our new books to help segue into the idea of a calming corner and how it's expected to be used. Each day students are asking for a stress ball or utilizing the mini paper shredder, aka the "Worry Wiper," to take their mind off of daily stresses. I love that even students who aren't big talkers are finding ways to "let it out." It seems to be something these students really needed and aren't ashamed to take advantage of. I'm just so happy that I could provide something that contributes to their social-emotional health. A calming corner yields positive behaviors, better moods, and good attitudes. I know that it won't solve all of their problems, but it will help get them through the day. Thank you for helping me provide this gift to my students. We are all very appreciative.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
Winter Break Baggies
Funded Nov 30, 2021I've gotten all of my materials and of course my students were in awe when they saw what was ordered. They LOVE fidget toys right now, especially the pop-its. I knew they would be perfect gifts for the holiday, along with a sweet treat. Unfortunately, I failed to consider that I have two classes with a total of 50 students, so what I ordered was not enough for everyone to get multiple toys. What we got still worked out perfectly though, as I was able to let each student pick one toy item and two candy treats. It went perfectly with the winter celebration we had as an additional little surprise. The rest can easily be used as incentives for the future.
Thank you again for making this happen!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Extra! Extra! Read All About It
Funded Oct 21, 2021My class and I just can't get enough of books! I'm loving how much my students get excited for a new story to listen to or read on their own. Their reactions drive me to keep them coming. I'm constantly asking them what new titles they want to see in our room or what genres they want to keep peaking their interest in reading. With the new curriculum, there isn't much room for exploring novels other than what is provided to us, so I make sure to stay true to my daily read-aloud every single morning. Not only does this help them make choices for independent reading, but it gives me an idea of what kinds of stories they enjoy and which ones they don't have much of a reaction to. That's why it's been so create projects asking for more.
As always, we are very appreciative of people who care about and support a reading classroom. Without you, we wouldn't be filling the classroom library bookshelves as quickly as we are. Thank you, and look out for another coming soon!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and 3 other donors.Giving Them What They Want
Funded Oct 21, 2021I love seeing the reaction from my students when they see that there have been new books added to our library. We were especially excited to be able to add "The Smart Cookie" to our Jory John and Pete Oswald collection and wasted no time reading it together. Our class had the same sentiment for "Thank you, Mr. Panda" which we read the next week along with our other "Mr. Panda" books. It really makes my heart happy when my students feel passionately about books, because it means I'm doing my job right as their reading teacher.
Thank you for providing us with more graphic novels and funny read-aloud books that make reading fun for us. We are very appreciative.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by Dollar General Literacy Foundation and one other donor.Mouse Hunt!
Funded Sep 23, 2021As soon as the computer mice arrived, almost every student requested to use one. Before this project got funded, I only had about 3 to go around and it was always a "first come, first serve" situation. It was very unfair for the number of students that were left without one, so we are all grateful that now everyone has an equal opportunity to make their laptop experience easier. I love that when they get their devices, they automatically grab headphones (from a previously funded project) and a mouse. Thank you for giving this to my students, and again, making it easier for them to move through a computer.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 3 other donors.Picture This: Graphic Novels
Funded Aug 12, 2021If there is one thing for sure, it's that graphic novels are a hit in this classroom. As soon as they hit the bookshelves, that was the only thing students gravitated towards. I had to draw their attention to the other books in our library, and that's how excited they were about graphic novels. I don't mind, however, because seeing them excited about reading makes me a proud teacher. Now that all of the books have arrived, I want to encourage them to check them out.
So far, the most popular titles are from the Amulet set, Sisters, and Diary of a Wimpy kid series. My students and I love the way they include pictures and are a part of a set. These special features will motivate students to keep the reading going. I sure hope that they do.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Alston
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 4 other donors.