Ms. Esparza's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 50

• Home Resources for Distance Learning

  Funded Sep 6, 2020

  I'm sorry for the delay in this thank you note. It has been quite a school year! I want to thank you very much for your generous donation to my project. This project allowed me to make a resource folder for my students to use at home during distance learning.

  The resource folder contained multiple pages in plastic sleeves, including a page with all their passwords for their educational applications and resources. They were able to use it to practice the letter names/sounds, numbers, and writing. We also used the folder during synchronous instruction on Zoom. We were able to play math games and letter/sound Bingo. Students were also able to use the sleeved pages as dry erase boards. The folder was very handy and useful.

  Students were very happy to have something from their teacher and enjoyed pulling it out whenever I called for it during Zoom class. I know it will also serve as a great study guide during the summer.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex® Brand and one other donor.

• Can You Hear Me Now?

  Funded Nov 1, 2019

  Thank you so much for your generosity. Your donation helped me get a class set of headphones. We use them twice every week for 2 different classes during our ipad time. Students are now able to play their educational app in class without having to hear their neighbors iPad.

  Since my students are in a dual language class, they mainly use the headphones to play their Spanish application on the iPad, so they are actually practicing their second language. They listen to music, stories, and answer comprehension questions to advance their reading skills.

  The students enjoy the headphones and it is also a wonderful time for me, as the teacher, because I am able to call small groups and work in a quiet room. It's such a blessing!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 6 other donors.

• Promoting Bi-literacy & Bilingualism

  Funded Aug 21, 2019

  These Let's Find Out magazines have been such a great resource for my students. Each week, students have been able to read about various topics in both English and Spanish! We have learned about rules in the classroom, bears through the seasons, different types of pumpkins, and so much more! Each topic has been informative and relevant to the times.

  Another great part about this magazine is that students use it to practice their sight words. They are able to practice reading sight words in both English and Spanish. They read aloud with the teacher and then also read with a buddy in class. The magazine gives great visuals which also help students learn new vocabulary in both languages.

  Finally, the back of the magazine always has an interactive part where students show what they have learned. And it's a great resource because they can also take it home right away. They get to share it with their families and practice more at home.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Montgomery Family Foundation and 4 other donors.

• Kid Friendly Journals

  Funded Nov 29, 2017

  Thank you for your donation to this project. The students were very happy when they saw the journals and when I told them they each get to have one to write in and take home at the end of the year. These journals are a great resource and are used daily in our classroom. Specifically, the students use the journals independently during small group time. I am able to work with small groups during language arts to focus on students' needs, while other students are at their computer center, or journal center.

  In their journals, students oftentimes have a choice to write about whatever they desire. It is their chance to be creative and expressive. Other times, I give them a sentence frame to complete when I really want them to focus on a particular sight word or phrase. The journals are especially helpful for my kindergarteners that are trying to learn to read and write. The journals give them a chance to practice their phonics, grammar, and penmanship. The kid friend lines are also very helpful for beginning writers.

  We are very thankful to have this resource and I'm sure my students can't wait to take it home to share with their families. Thanks again so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and 2 other donors.

• Indoor Play Time

  Funded Oct 15, 2017

  My students were so happy to see the new boxes that arrived in our classroom, and especially excited when they saw that they were fun games for them to play. This project was intended for indoor play time during inclement weather, and coincidentally we had inclement weather soon after the materials arrived.

  During recess, students were able to play Uno, Chutes & Ladders, Legos, and TinkerToys. They were very excited, and not at all disappointed that they weren't able to play outside. They loved the games, but I loved watching them play cooperatively and respectfully. They shared the materials, took turns, and also practiced some math skills. By far, the giant lego blocks and Tinker Toys have been the favorite resource. They really enjoy building and creating with the various objets.

  I also have plans to incorporate these building toys during some of our science lessons. I want the students to really imagine themselves as engineers, where they plan and construct for a purpose, such as working to build the strongest bridge. I know these resources will really motivate my students to work and I can't wait to teach this lesson!

  Again, thanks so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and 4 other donors.

• Basic Supplies Needed

  Funded Sep 1, 2017

  First of all, thank you so much for your donation to our class project. Your donation purchased a good supply of glue sticks, pencils, & white board markers for our class use. We are constantly using all of these items in the classroom. Our pencils are always writing and drawing and helping us hone and practice new skill in all curricular areas. In kindergarten, we are always creating and using up our glue sticks so quickly. It's been so nice to have a supply of glue sticks that the students can just grab when needed. Currently we are creating animal and plant habitats and these glue sticks have been very handy.

  However, by far, the most favorite items received were the white board markers. The kids LOVE using them. They each got their own marker to use with their white board. They love drawing and writing independently during their center time. They also have access to the colored white board markers during their center time. During small group time, I also use the markers to have the kids practice their phonics and writing skills. They have been a great tool to motivate students to write.

  Again, it means a lot that you cared about my students and this project!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by Sergey Brin Family Foundation and one other donor.

• Let's Learn Spanish with Let's Find Out Magazines

  Funded Dec 31, 2016

  My students were very excited to see the sample of our Let's Find Out magazine in Spanish. We were able to read a few online and read and discuss the topics. With these magazines we learned about different types of weather, while also working on our literacy skills. We also got to learn more about one of our favorite authors, Dr. Seuss!

  We also loved that the last page of our magazine had an activity page where we could improve on our comprehension skills in Spanish.

  With a new dual language program, and very little resources in Spanish, it is nice to know that we have a little something extra to engage my students in literacy and learning.

  Thanks again so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

• Libros, Libros, Libros!

  Funded Dec 30, 2016

  Your donation has made a big difference in my classroom. When we started the school year, our classroom library was nearly empty. These books were the first of many new books to be added to our classroom library.

  The books have been used in multiple ways. In the beginning, they served as read aloud after play time. The books were a great way to settle my kids down and engage them into literacy. They have also been great models of the Spanish language and my students have hand many opportunities to learn new vocabulary words. I was also able to use some of the books for more detailed, focused lessons. For example, we used "Así me siento yo" to go over feelings and appropriate ways to behave. They have really come in handy in our new Spanish dual language class. Students are now able to visit the classroom library (to which I have now added many more titles) to read books during their independent work time.

  I also love that many of my students are excited about reading. Many frequently ask me if they could take a book home to read. It warms my heart that they are so interested in literacy and learning a new language.

  Again, your donation is very much appreciated and was much needed in our new dual language classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

• Let's Get Physical!

  Funded May 6, 2016

  The materials from this project have made a big difference in our kindergarten yard. They have been used for all 6 kinder classes to use during recess time. They are able to choose from a variety of physical activity stations.

  The students were very happy to see the materials and even more excited to play with the materials. They enjoy hula hooping, playing with the balls, and exploring in the sand center. I love that they are being active and learning to cooperate with each other.

  Thanks to your donation, our students will have materials to keep them busy and active during their play time. They materials will also be excellent use for a more structured PE lesson/activity.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

  This classroom project was brought to life by #BestSchoolDay and 5 other donors.

• iLearn with iPad

  Funded Mar 9, 2016

  Dear Donors,

  Thank you, once again, for your donation to this project. Having this new technology in the classroom has been wonderful. I have loaded the iPad with an abundance of educational apps, websites, books, and activities that allow my students to practice the skills they have learned in class. These apps include activities throughout the curriculum and are of varied levels. Mainly the iPad is used in our technology center. Every student gets some time to use the technology to hone and develop their language arts or math skills. I also use the iPad as part of my guided reading group, where I can more closely help my students with skills they specifically need.

  Any technology is always a plus with my students, but iPads especially are so easy for my students to use. I love that they learn how to use technology while learning important subject matter. They really enjoy using the Starfall app the best. They practice various language arts and math skills here. They also love when I project educational videos from youtube regarding our topic. I also find that it helps to engage my kids and motivate them to learn more.

  One of my students, especially enjoys the new iPad. I had a lot of trouble getting him to focus and finish his classwork, but once he was able to use the technology, he was more motivated to get his work done and thus be able to visit the technology center. All students really love the iPad, and I love that it also teaches them cooperation and sharing skills.

  This iPad has been such a gift. Thank you ever so much!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Esparza

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