Past projects 4
Project Print!
Funded Aug 29, 2019Thank you for fully funding my classroom with a brand new printer. The photos show just a few items I've printed out this year. It has helped my grade level save tremendous time by not having to wait for things to be copied.
I was able to print out my students conduct charts which also helps as a form of communication for me and my students parents. I printed out our field trip forms for my students to go to a concert and the park, which they are really excited about. I was able to print out their first and last names as well as the numbers we are working on that week. I place these papers in sheet protectors so my students can use them to practice over and over.
The printer is truly resourceful in my classroom and it's all because of you! Thank you!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shelli Latiolais
This classroom project was brought to life by Verizon and 4 other donors.Helping Kindergartens Collaborate and Engage
Funded Nov 15, 2018My students are currently using the tables to work in collaboration with one another. It is so important for students, at this age level, to be able to work and engage with one another. Many times students learn from other students. By them sitting at tables they are able to collaborate and become more engaged. The chair bags are also so much easier for my students to be able to manage their materials. The bags help us save time and keep things more organized.
When my students first saw the materials they were so excited. Before the tables and chairs I had half of my students sitting at tables and half of them sitting in desk. The look on their faces were priceless. They were so excited to be able to sit next to one another.
The next step for classroom project is to to get my students a class set of headphones. Since, they are required to do the digital part of Zearn and Smarty Ants, daily, they need headphones to be able to concentrate on their own lessons because hearing other computers is a major distraction for them.
Thanks again to all who donated to have this project fully funded. My students and I are very grateful!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shelli Latiolais
Flexible Seating Frenzy for Louisiana Learners
Funded Aug 26, 2016Currently, my students use the carpet several times throughout the day. They sit on it during whole group teaching, partner reading, or sometimes just for a chance to stretch out their legs from the desk used in the classroom. Often during group work I'll call on a group to meet with me on the carpet to discuss the topic they are learning about. Additionally, the adult bean bag chairs are being used as a positive behavior incentive system. In the morning I use an app on my iPad which spins a wheel then lands on a students name. Since all of their names are listed they have a chance to sit on the huge bean bag all day to do their class work. However, they must have made an A the previous day in conduct in order to actually have a turn. So, if the wheel stopped on Student 3 but Student 3 had a B in conduct then they would not be allowed to sit in the bean bag. Before the carpet students had to sit on the floor while using our SmartBoard. Both items provide an atmosphere of comfort for my students. When my students are usually either their whole attitude is more relaxed and some even seem to be more confident when answering questions!
Both my first and second section students had been anticipating the new seating options. The carpet arrived while my second section was in my classroom. Since it was the very end of the day I had all the students pack up and we moved out desk around to make room for our new carpet. I then had four boys unroll the carpet across the classroom. One of my students said, "Wow! Ms. Latiolais, we thought you were talking about one of those little carpets. We never had one this big." Honestly, I was just as excited as them to be able to sit on our new carpet. I allowed all the students to take off their shoes and come sit on the carpet for the last 15 minutes of class. I noticed how most of them just continuously rubbed the carpet with their hands. The adult bean bags were delivered to my classroom after my students had left for the day therefore my first section got a chance to be surprised as well. When they came in the following morning they all insisted on sitting on them. Since I only bought two we came to an agreement I would allow each student to sit for a few minutes to get a feel of the bean bags. Now, every morning one of the first things we do is spin the wheel for bean bags.
The next step for my students is to continue to grow not only academically but as a whole person. I want them to grow academically, emotionally, socially. I am certain that the flexible seats your funds provided will give my students the support they need in growing not only academically but as a whole.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shelli Latiolais
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.Building Fluent Readers
Funded Oct 20, 2015Currently, my students use the carpet multiple times throughout the day. Not only do they sit on it during whole group teaching; this is also where they gather in the afternoon to discuss the events they learned throughout their day. During small groups, the students that are using the laptops, began sitting on the carpet instead of at the tables. Additionally, the letter tile boards are used daily. Since first graders are emergent readers it's important they understand how to build words. Before the letter tile boards, my students would build words using our Promethean board, during whole group lessons. Now all students are actively engaged in building words due to each of them having their own personal letter tile boards.
My new carpet and letter tile boards arrived while my students were at lunch. This was the perfect time to set up the new materials and give them a nice surprise. When my students first saw the new carpet their eyes lit up with excitement. One of my students exclaimed, "Oh it's so beautiful I think I'm about to cry." It warmed my heart knowing they were so excited seeing the new classroom resources. Some of them immediately went into the classroom and without hesitation sat on the carpet. They also love using their letter tile boards. Everyday my first graders build their spelling and high frequency words using the letter tile boards. The boards are also used during my reading small groups.
The next step for my students is to become fluent readers. I am certain that the materials your funds provided will give my students the support they need in becoming life long learners. The new carpet creates a welcoming environment; while the letter tile boards are helping create a love for building and reading new words.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Shelli Latiolais