Ms. Picazo's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 32

• Ready for Rain

  Funded Mar 4, 2024

  Rainy days are no longer dreary for my first grade scholars! Thanks to you generous donation, they are now able to strategize, think critically, and most importantly, get the wiggles out on days where we're unable to play outside.

  My first graders were so excited to have an area they can access with new games. They take pride in ensuring all of the pieces are intact and clean up so meticulously so we have these games for future classes to come.

  I am hopeful that having exposure to these types of games inspires them to create their own someday!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

• Authors in Action

  Funded Jan 17, 2024

  My students creativity has really taken off when it comes to writing. This has become their favorite part of the day. They utilize this time to channel their creative side all while addressing first grade content standards. They are enthusiastic about publishing their work and look forward to sharing with friends and family.

  Thanks to these supplies, my scholars have free choice to express themselves to create covers for their writing, or to make little books to convey their ideas however they desire. Even reluctant writers have become more interested in writers workshop.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

• Healthy, Clean, and Happy!

  Funded Jan 17, 2024

  My students have become so proactive when it comes to keeping our shared spaces clean. If there is a spill, or they notice a mess they get the handheld vacuum and fix the issue. They ensure our room is place that is healthy for everyone to inhabit.

  Visitors are always impressed when they come into our learning space and witness 6 and 7 year old children taking ownership of the cleanliness of the classroom. Parents have also shared that this has carried into their homes and they are so grateful!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by LOFT and 3 other donors.

• Shh, It's a Secret

  Funded Dec 11, 2023

  My students have shown such exponential growth since we have started working with Secret Stories. I see them using the posters every day during reading and writing.It helps kids instantly identify phonics sounds in words. They are excited to implement the "stories" and love when it is time to learn a new one!

  They love that they can just look up and access these as support during our literacy block.

  I am hopeful that my students' confidence continues to grow as the year progresses and their enthusiasm for reading never fades away.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community & an Anonymous Partner and 4 other donors.

• Feelin' Flexible!

  Funded Oct 8, 2023

  My students are so excited to be able to take their learning anywhere! Choice has taught them the importance of being selective and mindful when picking a place to work. We use the clipboards in our school's garden, and take them with us to our outdoor learning spaces. These first grade scholars are getting to know themselves as learners, and finding a spot that is just right for them.

  Having rug spots have also been extremely beneficial to 6 and 7 year olds that are learning to respect personal space with their peers. There is no more confusion or disagreements when we all come to the rug. We are excited to kick off the second part of the school year knowing we have choices and can be flexible!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 4 other donors.

• Counting Collections!

  Funded Sep 6, 2023

  My first grade students are using the counting collection materials to count, arrange, sort, and find patterns. This model has brought so much joy and excitement to our math time. They look forward to opportunities to become immersed as mathematicians and notice so many things about numbers. To them it may seem like a play based activity, but in reality many of them are already multiplying and dividing in first grade!

  The students love going to the counting collection shelves and selecting something they are drawn to, and having a variety of things to choose from is a game changer!

  Thank you for supporting me in bringing this vision to life.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by Panda Cares and 4 other donors.

• Fabulous Floor Table

  Funded Aug 3, 2023

  My students were so excited to see the floor table in our classroom! Actually, every adult that passes through our class compliments it because it really does look so cozy and inviting. It really adds to our overall environment by providing them with an additional work space and even a calming area when they are feeling overwhelmed.

  At this table, I have seen conflicts resolved, new learning strategies shared, partners work on art, and scholars access technology. I am hopeful to use this space as a center for group rotations in the coming weeks.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 2 other donors.

• But FIRST, Supplies!

  Funded Jun 26, 2023

  Because of you, my classroom families did not have to worry about purchasing supplies to kick off the school year. It was amazing to let them know there was no list with a plethora of items scholars needed to start the year off. When the kids entered the room on the first day of school they were presented with pencil boxes that were personalized with their names. They were thrilled! Their folders are sturdy are I am hopeful will last throughout the entire year. It was amazing to be able to provide nice, high quality materials for students to kick off the year!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by PwC.

• Hurray for Soft Starts!

  Funded May 10, 2023

  On the first day of school, my students were in awe of the classroom and materials they learned they would have access to daily. Every morning my students come in excited to start their day. Soft starts are a gentle invitation into their day and boy do they make these kiddos happy! During this time they are building life skills: turn taking, communication, compromising, and so much more. They are able to flex their creativity muscle as well.

  The joy in my classroom, thanks to your donation, is truly indescribable. When we ask them what they love about their class, the majority of them say soft starts!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

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

• Can You Listen Closely?

  Funded Nov 30, 2022

  In today's digital world, we are cultivating 21st century learners. Third graders are learning to navigate technology and since the pandemic, our districts have provided a plethora of educational apps for students to use.

  During class, we use headphones to lessen distractions. Students are allowed to listen to stories on their devices, and the headphones have helped increase their focus. We personalized their headphones with their class number- this made students so excited because it is like a gift that is theirs only to keep. Students with special needs are able to use voice typing and the microphone embedded in the headphones has been a huge help for them.

  Our scholars have learned self management skills by having headphones. They put them on and listen to music while completing independent work. Thank you for making a donation toward an item students are able to use and lead to their ultimate success!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Picazo

  This classroom project was brought to life by an Anonymous Classroom Supporter and 2 other donors.