Past projects 18
Any Questions? Fire Away!
Funded Feb 8, 2013This iPad is such a treat! I honestly wrote this proposal as a big wish that I didn't expect to materialize. And then, "poof!" All of you arrived and made this big dream a reality for me and my students.
I have been busy busy searching for ebooks for my students to enjoy, apps to support our classroom learning, and other fun programs to use. To be truthful, I have spent many a weekend day combing through the app store, installing, and then playing the games to see if they are just right for my young ones!
I have also recently received a projector to use. Next school year I will be able to extend the use of this iPad and connect it to the projector to allow the whole class to see stories and images with the touch of a button or two!
Thank you so much for giving to my students. It is a wonderful gift.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Cubbies!
Funded Aug 26, 2011Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment and continued support of public school students. Cubbies are such a simple, basic piece of classroom equipment, but your generous gift of a new set of cubbies has nevertheless already made a tremendous impact on our class. The cubbies you have funded have helped to create a more beautiful space in which the students can feel great pride. Our classroom is now a learning environment that better reflects the joy, vibrancy and enthusiasm within each student, and clearly engenders self-respect. Having a special place to put their things fills the students with a sense of security and ownership within our communal learning environment.
We are unaccustomed to receiving new and beautiful things in our under-funded public school, so we are incredibly grateful for donors like you who help dreams become reality through DonorsChoose. I am encouraged to know that there are people out there supporting my efforts, and making the task of teaching just a little bit less challenging. Thank you again. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Learning To Spell And Having Fun Doing It!
Funded Mar 30, 2011The fun of using our paddle shaped white boards has begun! My students are so motivated to practice spelling sight words and phonetic patterns in ways that they haven't been with any other materials I have introduced to them this year. Thank you for helping provide these engaging learning tools for them. It is making all the difference in preparing them for 2nd grade.
My students are enjoying some of the tricks that I use to manage their exuberance and to help keep them focused on the task at hand. One of the things that we agree to is to keep the markers "parked" in their "parking space" until it is time to use them for writing. Since each paddle has a special space to hold the markers, this parking analogy helps students organize their materials. Also, students know to listen for the click that the marker lid makes when it is replaced properly. This simple but necessary step will help us prolong the use of our materials since white board markers are expensive to replace.
Again, thank you all for fulfilling this project for my wonderful 1st graders. They are so deserving of new and exciting materials to learn with!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Help Us Organize Our Readers Workshop
Funded Mar 2, 2011Our new book boxes arrived last week. When the packages arrived, the children squealed with excitement, without even knowing what the packages contained. Once I started unpacking the cardboard boxes, however, they began cheering and clapping. Some of the things they expressed to me and each other were, "Now I can finally fit those big books from the library into my book box without it ripping!" and, "Since I know how to read now, I will really be able to use my box." and, "Oooh, it's so much bigger than the old one. I can fit more books in it!"
All of their statements before even getting their hands on the the boxes and starting to use them shows me their true commitment to reading and developing their literacy skills. I am so excited on their behalf that they can organize themselves during our Reader's Workshop so that less time and energy is spent tracking down the right book and more time is spent actually reading it.
As you peruse the photos I recently uploaded, you will see students scattered around the classroom in various arrangements. Some are seated at tables and some are on the floor. Some have chosen to read to themselves, while others have decided to read with a partner. This is part of our Reader's Workshop. Students have learned (with much guidance) how to select the best spot and the best arrangement for their personal reading needs and habits.
I am so proud of the progress my students have made. Two-thirds of my students are now reading at or above benchmark for this time of year! Considering that only one-third of them came in reading at benchmark, this is a tremendous accomplishment on their part. Thank you so much for your support of my efforts with them. It is such a relief know we have the support of folks like you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Did Someone Say Books?!
Funded Aug 30, 2010My first graders are making steady progress on their way to becoming independent learners. Your generous gift has already provided daily learning experiences to support this process. Thank you so much. Everyday, students participate in a learning block called "Readers' Workshop." This is a time of day when students are expected to read by themselves or in pairs, independent of the teacher. While students are reading independently, I am free to provide differentiated instruction, supporting all students at their individual level.
The sets of books that you have provided for us are so very helpful. Finally students have the opportunity to choose books of their interest at their own reading level, rather than getting stuck reading whatever books we happen to have at their level. Access to books is one of the most fundamental components to literacy development. My emergent readers thank you!
We are so unaccustomed to receiving new and beautiful things in our under-funded public school, so we are incredibly grateful for donors like you who help dreams become reality through DonorsChoose. I am encouraged to know that there are people out there supporting my efforts, and making the task of teaching just a little bit less challenging. Thank you again. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Listen Up!
Funded Aug 15, 2010My first graders are making steady progress on their way to becoming independent learners. Your generous gift has already provided daily learning experiences to support this process. Thank you so much. Everyday, students participate in a learning block called "Readers' Workshop." This is a time of day when students are expected to read by themselves or in pairs, independent of the teacher. While students are reading independently, I am free to provide differentiated instruction, supporting all students at their individual level.
The portable CD players have been very helpful. Finally students have the opportunity to listen to audio books of their choosing, without having to constantly negotiate with their peers at a 4-5 person listening center! Listening to reading is one of the foundational components to a well-rounded literacy program. My emergent readers now have much more access to story listening and will in turn develop literacy skills exponentially!
We are so unaccustomed to receiving new and beautiful things in our under-funded public school, so we are incredibly grateful for donors like you who help dreams become reality through DonorsChoose. I am encouraged to know that there are people out there supporting my efforts, and making the task of teaching just a little bit less challenging. Thank you again. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
The Joys of Centers Time
Funded Apr 1, 2008Thank you so much! On behalf of my students, let me express how grateful we are for you generosity. This is such an important contribution to our classroom. I cannot wait to share photos of and letters from my students showing how we will use these materials to enhance their everyday learning experiences. Again, thank you”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
ABC Fun for All
Funded Mar 25, 2008On behalf of my students, thank you for supporting our classroom! Your generosity will provide hours of skills practice for my English Language Learners. I look forward to sharing photos and notes from my students to give you just a snapshot of our classroom. Again, thank you”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Let's Get Painting!
Funded Dec 30, 2007Thank you so very much for this generous contribution to my classroom. My students and I can start the new year off to a terrific start! I look forward to sharing photos with you of my students enjoying the new art supplies that we will receive thanks to your support.
Again, thank you so much.
Warmly,
Maggie F
First Grade Teache”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco
Plan, Do and Review
Funded Dec 11, 2007Thank you so very much for your generous contribution to my students. These materials will bring hours of joyous learning to them. I cannot wait to share this wonderful news with them. As well, I look forward to sharing photos of my students engaged in activities inspired by these materials. Again, thank you!
Maggie F
First Grade Teache”
With gratitude,
Ms. Francisco