Past projects 5
Remote Learning with Quality Teacher-Created Videos
Funded Aug 16, 2020Using the iPad to create lessons for my student has enabled us to use a new model of learning in my virtual classroom. My students start every math period by watching a 5-6 minute interactive video to learn the day's concept. They then practice some problems and submit a digital quiz. Depending how they do, they will either move on to the next lesson, or we work together to practice some more and address misconceptions. This model allows every student to work towards mastery at their own pace.
The videos I can create with the iPad are on a whole other level than what I could do previously. Using an app called Explain Everything, I am able to create slide decks, record and use the stylus to write right on the slide like I was teaching each student individually. Because they are first graders, seeing how letters and numbers are formed, and how to make math drawings is critical. Using an app called EdPuzzle I can insert multiple choice pop up questions right into the video to keep them engaged.
The students LOVE the videos, and I enjoy hearing their feedback regularly to help me make them even better. I like the model so much, I plan to use it even when in-person learning begins again.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ligi
This classroom project was brought to life by A Generous Donor and 2 other donors.Distance Learning Tools for Young Scholars
Funded Aug 15, 2020My students were so excited when they picked up their supplies and found a brand new whiteboard, markers, and highlighters! They were so grateful and couldn't wait to show off their knowledge in class.
We use the whiteboards in class EVERY day. This has proven to be the most valuable tool for me as a teacher in checking for understanding in order to guide my teaching and create groups for differentiated instruction as this year I am unable to roam the room to check in.
I have also purchased some amazing digital lessons on Teachers Pay Teachers with funds from your generous contributions. One of the favorites by far is the "Joke of the Day" math warm ups. I drop the link into our Zoom chat each morning and kids answer questions correctly to earn the answer to the day's joke. They love announcing once they know the answer, and this tool has helped so much not just with math skills, but in using technology and reading as well.
Distance teaching is challenging, but these tools have helped me and the class stay motivated and inspired. We can do this!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ligi
This classroom project was brought to life by A Generous Donor and 6 other donors.We Read A-Z!
Funded Feb 8, 2018Thank you so much for your generous contributions toward our classroom. My students were overjoyed when they saw the book cart, beanbag and comfy cushion. There are so many ways this project affects my students.
At this point in the year my students are really starting to advance in their reading levels. The book cart with its bins which are labeled by reading level makes it easy for students to find a book of interest at their level. They also love having the visual representation of all of the levels as they strive to reach the next level and the next box of books to choose from. I enjoy seeing them congregated around a leveled bin recommending books to each other and browsing together for interesting titles.
During buddy reading time each day, the students are so excited to enjoy the comfy seating you have helped provide. Buddy reading is a favorite time of day for many of my students. My joy at seeing them develop a love of books while relaxing with friends on a soft seat reminds me of why I am in this profession. I know that their love of reading will last for years to come because of the positive experience around it in our room.
I love the benefit of these items to our class community. My students are sharing, coming together, problem solving and taking turns with the beanbag and huge pillow. Sometimes I see kids I never would expect to see together snuggled up side by side on the beanbag. They are learning about being in a small community and how to help each other, be kind, and be a good friend.
Thanks again for what you have done for our classroom - the impact will be for this year and years to come.
Sincerely,
Ms. Ligi”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ligi
This classroom project was brought to life by Golden State Fund and 9 other donors.Exercise Is Fuel for Our Brains!
Funded Dec 30, 2017Thank you so much for your generous contributions toward my project. Because of you my students have new equipment to use outside. It is especially nice given the spring-like weather we have had here in California this February!
When I told my students that we were getting new playground equipment thanks to the Donors Choose program, their faces lit up and they were so happy. The supplies arrived so quickly they did not have to wait to start enjoying their new play equipment. Since receiving the balls and jump ropes, my students have been exercising, sharing and playing together every recess of every day.
In the past, some of our playground balls have been kicked up on the roof and lost. Knowing that they are lucky to have received a second chance with equipment, my class has come up with rules to keep their new supplies safe. Rules like "no playing with the kickball near the roof" and "use equipment for intended use" have given the students ownership and responsibility for their new things.
I have recently received funding on a new project to create a leveled library to make leveled reading books easily accessible to all my readers, beginning and proficient. I am really excited to organize books by interest and reading level in our library, and also to reveal the new bean bag and comfy pillows to my students. It is amazing to watch them become readers, and this amazing program helps me do my job as a teacher effectively.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ligi
This classroom project was brought to life by National Fitness Foundation and 2 other donors.Fun in the Sun!
Funded Dec 31, 2017Thank you so much for your generous contributions toward my project. Because of you my students have new equipment to use outside. It is especially nice given the spring-like weather we have had here in California this February!
When I told my students that we were getting new playground equipment thanks to the Donors Choose program, their faces lit up and they were so happy. The supplies arrived so quickly they did not have to wait to start enjoying their new play equipment. Since receiving the balls and jump ropes, my students have been exercising, sharing and playing together every recess of every day.
Every week my students "earn" some outdoor time with their new equipment on "Fun Friday". The balls can be used at all recesses, but the special supplies like jump ropes, catch balls, and the sit-and-hop balls are only brought out when I can supervise. They really look forward to this time and have taken steps to make sure their equipment is taken care of. They are having so much fun they don't even realize all the beneficial exercise they are getting1
I have recently received funding on a new project to create a leveled library to make leveled reading books easily accessible to all my readers, beginning and proficient. I am really excited to organize books by interest and reading level in our library, and also to reveal the new bean bag and comfy pillows to my students. It is amazing to watch them become readers, and this amazing program helps me do my job as a teacher effectively.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ligi
This classroom project was brought to life by National Fitness Foundation and 2 other donors.