Past projects 5
Artists and Math-a-magicians!
Funded Jan 25, 2018My students were thrilled to help me unload the boxes of brand new materials into our classroom this morning. They couldn't believe all of the games and art materials that filled our shelves!
Mostly because I was so excited to try it out, I let them crack open the marble run set first. Within seconds I heard them using the word "increase". Another student then asked what that word meant. I'm telling you, this is the power of play!
Thank you to each of you for making a difference in the lives of these young people! We are forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Becker Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 6 other donors.Paper! Get Your Paper!
Funded Dec 8, 2017My students were thrilled to learn that you supported our classroom and our school with your generous donations. When they came into the classroom and saw the giant box of paper they wanted to know everything about where it came from. Who gave it to us? Why did they give us money? How much money did they give? When can we use it for an art project?
And then there were the teachers and staff. When a box of printer paper was delivered they were so grateful! We have been low on many supplies, and this helps refill part of what we're missing!
Thank you on behalf of everyone at Highwood Hills. Your donation has helped us more than you know!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Becker Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by 3M and 4 other donors.Aspiring Entomologists
Funded Aug 31, 2013My students were transformed by your generosity. I wish you could have seen the excitement in their eyes as we watched larva transform into pupae, and then into adult butterflies. It was magical.
We just concluded the butterfly unit last week with a publishing party to celebrate the fact that our students each created their own butterfly life cycle book. This project was the perfect way to align science and writing. The students observed the butterflies for weeks, recording observations in their science journals, and then we created the books in order to share what we learned with our community. We invited families and teachers to come to the party and we sang a song about the butterfly life cycle, watched a slideshow of the students working on all the elements of our unit, we read our books, and we decorated butterfly sugar cookies.
Since making the butterfly books in class students have independently been making books during their free time. Yesterday a student showed me a mini butterfly book she had made, which included both writing and illustrations based on what she had seen in our classroom. It is things like this that evidence the fact that you made a difference in the lives of 60 brilliant entomologists.
Oh! I almost forgot! We also will be attending a production of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Children's Theater Company in January to complement this unit. We can't wait!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Becker Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 5 other donors.Tools for English Learners
Funded Mar 20, 2013Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for donating to help my students succeed by providing high quality learning materials. Using the organizational materials, science and social studies tools, calendar, and more, has truly made a difference in our day-to-day lessons.
Just today a group of first graders and I selected rocks from the playground and used our magnifying glasses to make observations of the color, shape and size of each rock. Another group of students has loved all of the fantastic math manipulatives.
Seeing the students grow over the past five months has been the most rewarding experience of my life. Thank you for all you've done financially, and emotionally to support this work.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Becker Peterson
Little Language Learners
Funded Jan 22, 2013I want to thank you once again for your support of my project. Your contribution not only shows your support of this single project, but also a greater support of the education of some of Minnesota's most eager learners.
I was thrilled to arrive at school on a cold, January morning to two boxes of Lakeshore materials. The three Kindergarten teachers that I work with were equally excited to unwrap and examine all of our new materials. We couldn't wait to show the students.
Since then I've been bringing the activities into the classroom for morning work. During this time the students arrive, take off their jackets, turn in any homework, sit at their tables, and then they get to work! This morning I had the tactile sight words out for them. They put a piece of paper over the top and use it to make a crayon rubbing (see photo). They couldn't believe it when their letters "magically" appeared to spell words like 'and', 'the', and 'like'. For these little language learners it really is the little things!
I use the materials during one-on-one interventions, and during small group work time as well. The students light up when they try new materials, and they're equally excited when they see them time after time and build confidence in manipulating them. The rhyming teaching tubs have quickly made the exercise of rhyming an engaging, hands-on experience.
I look forward to many days of teaching and learning ahead, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for playing a role in brightening the future of these young language learners!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Becker Peterson