Past projects 4
I Can See Clearly Now!
Funded Mar 1, 2021The use of technology in the classroom has really made a positive impact on student learning. When the Covid-19 quarantine hit, we were all thrown into the use of technology in ways that we could never have imagined. It was very intimidating, as the unknown can often feel. However, we persisted and learned how to use computers, Chromebooks, projectors, Zoom and Google Slides presentations to make learning fun and effective.
What helped the most was acquiring an external monitor to use during distance learning. This technology was so helpful because, prior to receiving it, I was not able to see all of the students in the Zoom class. I feared missing out on opportunities to see the students' expressions or to call on students to engage individually in the learning activities. When I shared that we received an external monitor, the students were excited to know that I would now be able to see them fully, and that we would all have a better experience in Zoom class. The monitor also afforded the opportunity to work on two screens as I was able to drag additional windows between screens to maximize my work experience.
One of the favorite phrases shared with the students was, "Ms. Lagarde, can you see me?" After receiving the external monitor, I was finally able to answer confidently: YES, I CAN! Thank you so much for your support of student learning during distance learning, and in the classroom!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lagarde-Harvey
Help Make Our Day Easel(ly) Brighter!
Funded Aug 1, 2019Thank you so much for your donation and contribution to the advancement of my students' educational development! Since receiving our teaching easel, language arts lessons have been directly impacted and improved as a result of having a big writing surface (white board) on which to have the students write, blend, and read words and sentences during phonics. It has also been extremely convenient to have an easel on which to hang my large paper chart, which I use daily to make visual aids for my students, including lists and pictures, so that the students can use the charts to work on writing. Having pull-out drawers underneath the easel has been another convenient resource, as we are able to store books, magnets, and other teaching tools and have them accessible during learning activities. There are so many convenient uses that come with this teaching easel, including the ability to prop up and use big books during shared reading time. Overall, having our teaching easel has truly been a benefit to both the students and myself. We cannot thank you enough!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lagarde-Harvey
Horseshoe Table and Seats = Cooperative Learning you Can’t Beat!
Funded Aug 4, 2018The students of Room 19, here at Virginia Road Elementary School, would like to thank you tremendously for your donation. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the students and I are now able to work very closely in small groups to improve reading and math skills. In the past, the only option we had was to use a huge "kidney" shaped table for our groups. This meant that the students were quite a distance away from me, making it difficult to reach them to point out necessary details or strategies for reading. Now, my students and I convene every day at the Horseshoe Table, which is much better suited to be in closer proximity to my students, so that I can reference our materials more directly and explicitly.
The students were so excited when I revealed the Soft Seat cushions! They seemed to really enjoy having the opportunity to use them for their own personal reading time. The Soft Seats help my students follow reading workshop rules such as "Stay in one spot," and "Get started right away." They are able to work independently on reading activities, staying focused on the task at hand.
We thank you again for your support and look forward to continual use of these wonderful materials!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lagarde-Harvey
Can You Hear Me Now? Headphones Are A Must!
Funded Apr 21, 2017As I began preparations to return to work, one of my main areas of focus was in obtaining resources that would assist my students in meeting the new and rigorous Common Core Standards, as well as developing their 21st Century Skills. Part of my plan included increasing technology usage in the classroom. With limited funding and only 2 computers in my classroom, my school was unable to provide technology resources for every student, in every classroom, everyday.
One way that I was able to accomplish my goal was through the use of tablets in the classroom. After securing tablets, I was able to provide increased tablet time for my students. However, I ran across a problem very quickly—not having enough headphones to accommodate all of my students. Thanks to Donors Choose and the wonderful donors who committed to my project, I was finally able to acquire enough headphones for each one of my students!
Since obtaining the headphones, my students have been able to work on Language Arts and Math using various academic websites, as well as other educational applications. They are able to have a personal experience with technology with the support of individual headphone usage. When my students are using their headphones and tablets, they have the access and exposure to technology resources that they need to become "College and Career Ready" students. Your donations have been well used and greatly appreciated by my students and myself. Thank you for your support in making this dream come true.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Lagarde-Harvey
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Donor and 4 other donors.