Mrs. Casaletti's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 22

• The Science of Magnets for TK Learners

  Funded Feb 12, 2025

  This is such a wonderful surprise to open my email this morning and get this good news! My little students and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts. These materials are going to be such fun for my students and they will give them new learning experiences to boot!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 5 other donors.

• Young Children Learn Empathy and Compassion by Giving of Themselves

  Funded Nov 19, 2024

  It is with great thanks that my little students and I write to you. Our project is all about empathy and generosity and you are the epitome of these important traits. We couldn't be happier to get started on our project knowing that our finish products will make others happy especially in this holiday season.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

• Life's Many Lessons Stem From Creative Play

  Funded Dec 9, 2022

  Creative play is one of the most important activities for the young children to help them develop socially and emotionally as well as academically.

  The materials that our classroom received touches on all aspects of early childhood learning. Just giving the children the opportunity to share with each other and to communicate as they play is tremendous. With our materials we were able to pair children in groups to learn special techniques to achieve these means. We created centers where four children played together.

  Each child was thrilled when we opened the boxes. They immediately wanted to play with them and that they did. We are so thankful for you and your vision to helping our young learners.child”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 10 other donors.

• From Digital to Tactile, Working with Clay Fosters Creativity

  Funded Dec 27, 2023

  Working with clay has become one of my students most enjoyable creative activities. I started by teaching some of the design principles using Play Doh then moving up to working with ceramic clay.

  We discussed the various stages of production from working with the clay to remove air bubbles, to the drying process, to the look of the clay after it was fired in the kiln. Painting and the final firing completed the process.

  We made hearts for necklaces as Mother's Day gifts. Presently they are making their handprints as remembrances of their first year of school. We sincerely thank you for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

• Organization and Display of Work Contributes to Learning

  Funded Apr 3, 2023

  The impact of this project is substantial. Students love to see their work displayed in the classroom. It is often that we hear, "This is my picture!" as the students pass by their work hanging on the wall in the classroom. I am also able to create work for the students to do on the spot allowing for greater opportunity to create.

  Many students are accustomed to using technology at home, at the library, or elsewhere but having that same technology in the classroom is a game changer. We find that we are able to create greeting cards for family members, drawings and other types of artwork for display and to give as gifts to family, friends, and others with whom we share interests.

  Thank you for helping us expand our world one classroom at a time. Thank you for helping us express our ideas and creativity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by PNC Grow Up Great®.

• Story Book Characters Come Alive Fostering Comprehension

  Funded Sep 7, 2022

  My students have delighted in the hands on experiences they have had manipulating the story parts and retelling the stories. This learning tool has impacted their ability to retain the stories and to connect with them. Further, it gives my students the experience of connecting with concepts of print.

  Although they are the youngest students in our school, they are fully prepared to the rigours of learning as they move forward in the education process.

  Personally, I love the rich colors and ample sizes of the parts of each story that comprise these materials. They are easy to maneuver on the felt board. Another fun activity that I provide with these materials is to craft a different ending for the stories

  giving my students the author's creativity in storytelling. The little ones learn that stories are another way to communicate. We all appreciate your generosity in helping our class.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation.

• Ready, Set, Go! It’s Time to Play!

  Funded Mar 1, 2022

  The contributions that you have afforded my young students have made the world of difference to them in their daily play. I have been able to introduce them to the fun of working in their own kitchen which is a part of the little outdoor cafe that they are pretending to operate. The play food, pots and pans, and other fun items contribute to their imagination as they work in the little kitchen that I purchased last year.

  They set the tables, cook the food, and serve the food to hungry pretend customers. It is one of the most popular areas of our classroom for both boys and girls, alike. I want then to experience the real world through imaginary play. The cash register helps to authenticate their experience.

  While some of the items in the project were not available, I hope to add them to the classroom in a follow-up project. In the meantime, my students are busy every day dreaming up what to serve their customers. Thank you for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation and 12 other donors.

• Creative Play and Hands On Learning Promote Success!

  Funded Dec 31, 2021

  Creative Play is one of the most important parts of TK. My students were so excited to see all of the great items that were part of this project.

  Each day students are grouped into small groups and invited to use the toys and games to express themselves through play. Often they are invited to choose their own small groups and to use their imaginations to share ideas.

  The effects of this play is long lasting with many students becoming fast friends, asking parents to create play dates outside of school hours, and maintain these friendships as they move through school. By donating to this project, you have contributed to these friendships.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 6 other donors.

• Reading and Writing Starts Here

  Funded Nov 15, 2021

  Before little ones learn to read and write, they must first build a foundation of understanding, recognizing, and verbalizing the letters of the alphabet. That comes with the understanding of letters and their sounds.

  After these areas of language arts are familiar and almost simultaneously, starting to write the letters first by tracing and copying, then by actually writing individual letters are next.

  This project gave us the tools that we need to accomplish all of these areas. Having tools that spark interest is always helpful in capturing a child's attention and focus. We strive to help our little students achieve as is developmentally appropriate. This foundation prepares them for their next challenges in kindergarten.

  Thank you very much for helping contribute to this success.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti

  This classroom project was brought to life by Valhalla Foundation and one other donor.

• Mentally Stimulating Learning Centers Build Knowledge

  Funded Dec 31, 2021

  Learning centers are ways for children to work either together or individually on one specific task. They are often away from the desks and on a rug so that the children get a break from time spent at the desk or table areas. It is through the generosity of our donors that I have been able to gather materials that help support the learning centers and give the children the hands on learning tools that further focus on the lessons of the curriculum.

  I have seen my students reach aha moments just by working with materials aside from their desks and with each other. At these centers, we typically work on language arts and math at two different times of the day. In my classroom, we work on language arts in the morning and math after lunch.

  By having diverse materials from which to choose, I can keep the children eager to learn. Having many different materials affords them the opportunities to be introduced to new items while enforcing the standards based learning. It is through the ability to obtain these materials that I am able to promote learning and help my students achieve.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Casaletti