Mrs. Zwick's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 58

• Wobble Chairs Help Us Concentrate

  Funded May 16, 2018

  I found out that with flexible sitting, students can learn and work in ways that feel more adequate for their learning. I see students who would begin fidgeting in their seats are now able to seat on the wobbly chairs and are able to concentrate more than before.

  When my students arrived at our classroom, I saw how exciting they were when they were able to select their seats and I saw some of them levitating to the wobbly chairs so that they are able to work at a more comfortable level. I specifically like that some are eager to change seating arrangements and are willing to take turns since there are only six wobbly chairs.

  I would love to continue to replace some of the classroom furniture as some of the desks are too bulky or the chairs are uncomfortable. I Specifically would like to have more flexible seating so that they can enjoy the comfort of learning without any further discomfort. In my classroom where children are of various heights, it may be more adequate to have smaller standing desks or rocker chairs so that they can enjoy reading and writing in a more comfortable setting.

  I truly hope that you consider donating to our future projects and want to thank you again for your generosity.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by Someone Who Loves Clark County Teachers and 3 other donors.

• Learning Made Easier Being Prepared

  Funded Mar 3, 2018

  I saw a significant growth in confidence by having my students quiz and challenge one another at mastering their multiplication tables. By allowing each student to practice with different partners and by having classroom competitions, my 4th-grade students took responsibility for their learning. We had the opportunity to work on small group activities using sight words and development cards to assist students learning English and those that struggle with mastering phonics. It was truly unique to see many students learning from one another than having me teach them as some were uncomfortable letting others know that they lacked certain skills. I saw that some students really looked forward to our Intervention time to ensure that they practiced with each other.

  Before Christmas, I surprised my students with the multiplication cards and they got so excited to see that every student received a set. They were responsible to ensure that they not only practice at school but at home as well. Some students had fun using them and were able to improve so that they can make gains in their standardized testing. I also heard that some of the younger siblings joined in to learn.

  I have spoken to students who were looking forward to reviewing over the summer as they were entering 5th grade. It was critical that they continued to practice so that they can improve in solving multiplication and division problems. It also allowed time for students to get to know each other and collaborate to learn from one another. This was key to ensuring that students realize that school is important to get them the tools and strategies to grow as responsible future leaders.

  We are truly grateful for your generosity and hope that you will continue to sponsor our projects.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 7 other donors.

• We can Listen and Learn with No Distractions.

  Funded Apr 4, 2018

  There has been some significant growth in my students learning. We have been working on improving math facts, increasing reading fluency and comprehension. My students have also improved in building their background knowledge in technology and history. I am amazed how with comfortable earphones students are focusing without distractions. I especially like seeing that they are working instead of avoiding using earphones because the old ones were too heavy. I've actually had to tap students on the shoulder because they couldn't hear me.

  I truly believe that this made it all possible because of your generosity. Students can focus instead of holding prior earphones with one hand because it irritated their heads or were too big or too tight. They are also light enough to fold and put away quickly and makes a difference when having to clean up and put away.

  I see more motivation for students to work without being interrupted by the bulkiness of the previous earphones that would break and bend easily. They normally didn't last long and by blocking conversations, my students are able to progress at a higher pace.

  I truly hope they last a long time”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 2 other donors.

• Future Writers Of America

  Funded May 1, 2017

  We want to thank you for your support and understanding that we were not able to provide letters early on when the school yet began. I change schools and for the first time became deparmentalized only teaching math and science. I had two sets of students and unfortunately due to colleague's health could not get students to read books during my class time, nor get them time to write letters.

  Thankfully the last week before winter break, I was able to get my homeroom full day. Despite the challenges of having students understand that these novels were not to be taken home and keep. I had some who finally got an opportunity to read, discuss, and write about them.

  We really appreciate the opportunity to get other students who struggle become interested in these novels. Close read is key as most students read below grade level and we spend a significant time with interventions, building background, and getting them interested in reading. I been able to get students to compare and contrast the books to a video which is one of the standards we need to learn. It has been interesting.

  I truly have seen students who enjoy reading and my hardest workers as well as some who are struggling begin to see life as an opportunity to learn from author's point of view.

  I truly appreciate your generosity and can't wait to see my kiddos grow day by day knowing that others care just like you.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by TOON Books and 4 other donors.

• 3Doodler to Show Creativity

  Funded Jun 12, 2017

  It has been a wonderful opportunity for my students whom at a very low social-economic background do not always understand the value of materials. They were super excited to see them but they do not know how important it is to take care of it.

  It took me some time yo try to get them yo put something together without arguing or getting in trouble for unwillingness to collaborate. We have only had very little downtime as we struggle to get along or earn classroom free time.

  I think now that we are no longer deparmentalized, I can spend more time with my homeroom classroom and begin thinking of what we can create with them. We had to switch classrooms and we had major challenges in getting started and completing required assignments.

  We will begin looking at videos to see what projects we can get started with and are considering having team competitions to give them and opportunity to learn to collaborate.

  I hope you enjoy the work in progress pictures, and want truly thank you for your donation, and understanding of delayed in showing our appreciation.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 2 other donors.

• Just the Basic Needs Please

  Funded Apr 7, 2017

  I shared the snacks with two different schools and classrooms. For my former students the snacks were eagerly received because we celebrated the culmination of SBAC and school year. The students I have at my new school, come from very low social economic backgrounds and are usually not provided with snacks, unless it is a celebration. Our principal doesn't want students to get a treat for knowing that they have to behave, but yet, they don't and until they do, then they can earn it. I also agree with this as I decided to invite my students who are hard working in class and are responsible for their actions. Students are invited to have lunch with me and they get to have the treats donated and we talk about future goals and how I am glad that they are working towards reaching their goal in excelling in the fourth grade. These students are usually asked to become mentors and share ways to show responsibility when it comes to learning at school and at home.

  I would like to have my students understand that continued hard work and dedication can bring many opportunities to reach their goals in life. That possibilities are endless with hard work and dedication and if they set their mind to it, they can accomplish it. I would love to see that they all have the opportunity to further their education with acknowledging that the possibilities are endless and reachable.

  Thank you for providing these yummy and healthy snacks as nutritious snacks are important for their well being and health. These were really appreciated and we were ecstatic to receive them and eat them.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by Life Essentials Supporters and 3 other donors.

• First Lego League Team

  Funded May 8, 2017

  In working with my students, I have notice that exposing them to technology is truly beneficial to motivate them to learn. I have explained to them that everything in life is possible with hard work and dedication. Some students have no motivation and some do, so thankfully those that are, get to earn time to build their robot. One project was to allow students to see how directions are key to ensure the robot is built and it is in working condition.

  The next step is getting students to understand that sharing is necessary to avoid losing or breaking pieces. Despite the excitement I have had the difficulty of having to share the robot with two sets of students, so at times I need to limit those students who can't comprehend sharing. So for the most part my students are always excited of having the opportunity of putting the robot together.

  I hope to have the opportunity of getting funding for another robot so I can have students compete against each other. This way, we can then try to compete with other students at our school or other schools. This way, we have an opportunity of challenging each other while hopefully bring about collaboration and dedication of competing against other teams.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

• Science, Here We Come!

  Funded Mar 23, 2017

  I am truly grateful for your donations as I have seen students who had problems adjusting to discipline change their demeanor and were able to take a Knex game, tablets, or smart lab toys home. In class and at school I have seen students who are motivated to learn more on how objects work and I even had a few students tell me that they are looking into saving their money to see if they can have a Knex game purchased and used in their home. The Knex has truly been a hit with some students and the most popular, so I hope that in the future I may be able to get more to allow my new class to have access to them. I am currently working with refugee students and for many there has been a true appreciation of learning to use the educational toys. To this I am truly excited to seek more opportunities in getting students smaller Knex sets so they may have more time to explore in class as with a transient community, it is not easy to have them take them home since I have two sets of students.

  Many students learned that sharing and collaborating is key to learning to get along and accomplish a goal. Some students were able to find the careers that would allow them to conduct research, design building, and create projects on the tablets. I've had more than one parent tell me how they see the importance to allow students to use technology at home so that they can become more independent learners. We have been able to see projects that were inspired by using tablets and smart lab toys in observing insects and how knowing their differences can assist in describing them and find more about them.

  Lastly, the students who warmed to the technology were the ones who were busy with sports and other extra-curricular activities and some students who have difficulty following directions in class. This gave them an opportunity to understand that you can do more than one activity if you balance your schedule. I have also noticed that hyper students at times are the ones that lack attention at home and are the ones that end up telling you that you were their favorite teacher at the end of the school year because I didn't give up on them.

  Once again, I am truly grateful in your generosity and the difference you made on my students last year. Thank you and please know that this will always be appreciated.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

  This classroom project was brought to life by Overdeck Family Foundation & Simons Foundation and one other donor.

• STEAM Unit on Comparing Humans' and Animals' Survival

  Funded Nov 18, 2016

  We were so excited to receive the squishy human bodies and the Interactive Digital Lessons and use them along with our Common Core Instruction. We have used the sketch pads and water paints and had the opportunity to use interpretations of both Mealworm's life cycle and the human body's functions. We are so delighted that we now have some students who would like to teach others about the human body or exploring for new habitats for insects or other animals. We have been so ecstatic to obtain these items and be able to create such neat projects. We can't wait for you to see some drawings and read some letters of appreciation.

  Thank you for making an awesome impact on our future and we truly Thank You from the bottom of our hearts!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

• Literacy Project

  Funded Dec 17, 2014

  Our class has been making strides that have really reflected in their weekly assessments. My class is so excited to read new material that during Nevada Reading Week, they took the books to read to a younger classroom. The pictures reflect how much they enjoyed reading to one another.

  Having these books has allowed differentiated teaching to assist those who require more assistance. We have been able to use more up-to-date resources that can assist with building background knowledge.

  I want to truly appreciate your gratitude by providing these enriching resources. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Zwick

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