Ms. Smathers' Classroom Edit display name

Current requests

Past projects 12

• Understanding Immigration and Identity in "Make Your Home Among Strangers"

  Funded Dec 31, 2024

  Understanding Immigration and Identity in Make Your Home Among Strangers had a profound impact on my students, particularly my ELL and first-generation students who saw their own struggles reflected in Lizet’s journey. The novel sparked deep discussions about the challenges of assimilation, family expectations, and the pursuit of education against all odds. Many students shared personal connections to the themes of cultural identity and the pressures of being the first in their families to navigate higher education.

  This project not only enhanced their reading comprehension and analytical skills but also provided a sense of validation and empowerment. They saw that their experiences matter and that their voices deserve to be heard. The resources funded through Donors Choose allowed us to engage in meaningful activities—literary analysis, personal reflections, and group discussions—that made the text come alive in a way that traditional textbooks often fail to do.

  Thank you for your generosity and support. Your contribution helped create a learning experience that was both academically rigorous and personally meaningful for my students”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

  This classroom project was brought to life by Reese's Book Club and 3 other donors.

• Bringing Stories to Life: Experiential Learning for English Language Learners

  Funded Dec 12, 2024

  Bringing Stories to Life: Experiential Learning for English Language Learners has transformed my classroom into a dynamic, engaging learning environment where students are not just reading stories—they are experiencing them. With the materials funded through Donors Choose, my English Language Learners (ELLs) have been able to participate in hands-on, project-based activities that make literature more accessible and meaningful.

  The impact has been incredible. Students who once struggled with comprehension are now actively engaging with texts, using props and interactive storytelling techniques to bring narratives to life. These resources have helped bridge language barriers, allowing students to build confidence in their reading, speaking, and writing skills. I've seen an increase in student participation, creativity, and enthusiasm for learning, reinforcing the idea that language acquisition thrives in an immersive and supportive setting.

  Thanks to the generosity of donors, my students now have the tools they need to explore literature in a way that feels relevant and exciting. This project has not only improved literacy skills but also fostered a love for storytelling that will stay with them beyond the classroom.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

• Exploring Identity & Race: Novel Study of Nella Larsen's 'Passing

  Funded Oct 31, 2024

  Thanks to your generosity, Nella Larsen's Passing has sparked meaningful discussions and personal growth in our classroom. Through this novel, students are developing critical skills like close reading, argumentative writing, and making connections to their own lives and the world around them. Our reading sessions include Socratic seminars, creative projects, and reflective journaling, allowing students to engage deeply with themes of race, identity, and societal expectations. For example, one student shared how Clare's struggle with belonging mirrors her own cultural experiences, while another, typically reserved, offered profound insights into race and privilege, inspiring his creative writing. Your support has not only enhanced their literacy skills but also provided a platform for self-discovery and empathy. Thank you for making this transformation possible!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

  This classroom project was brought to life by Reese's Book Club and 2 other donors.

• Tools for Triumph: Empowering ELL Students with Essential Supplies

  Funded Sep 10, 2024

  The "Tools for Triumph: Empowering ELL Students with Essential Supplies" project made a tremendous difference in my classroom by providing essential resources tailored specifically for my English Language Learner (ELL) students.

  With the funding, we were able to acquire manila folders and copy paper, which have proven to be invaluable tools. The manila folders help us organize students' work and resources in a way that is accessible and easy to navigate. Each student has a dedicated folder for their assignments, vocabulary lists, and other important materials. This not only keeps them organized but also gives them a sense of ownership over their learning.

  The copy paper has allowed us to create customized worksheets and visual aids that cater to the diverse needs of ELL students. For instance, we've printed bilingual resources, vocabulary flashcards, and interactive activities that make language acquisition more engaging and effective.

  The ability to provide high-quality, relevant materials has made a notable difference in student motivation and participation.

  Overall, this project has empowered my ELL students by ensuring they have the basic necessities to thrive academically. It has fostered a supportive learning environment where they can build their language skills with confidence.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.

• Masterful Storytelling: A Literary Journey with Flannery O'Connor

  Funded Oct 3, 2024

  Unfortunately, Donors Choose was unable to provide me with the Flannwry O'Conner novels I requested so I shifted to Zora Neale Huraton's "Their Eyes were Watching God". With the materials provided, I was able to immerse my students in a transformative literary experience that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. My students had access to physical copies of "Their Eyes Were Watching God" as well as the opportunity to engage more deeply with the text through class discussions, collaborative projects, and creative writing exercises. The impact of having these resources was evident in my students' increased engagement, improved reading comprehension, and a stronger connection to the themes of the novel, all of which contributed to their academic growth and confidence in their learning journey.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

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

• Personalized Learning Kits: Labeling and Organizing Differentiation Folders for My ELL Students

  Funded Sep 13, 2024

  With the new resources from the "Personalized Learning Kits" project, my students and I are able to keep differentiated instruction much more organized. The crates and hanging file folders have been a game-changer, allowing me to label and store individualized learning materials for each student. During small group instruction, students can now easily access their personalized folders, which contain resources tailored to their reading levels, language skills, and specific learning goals.

  One standout moment occurred when I introduced the folders to the class. Their excitement was palpable as they saw their names neatly labeled on their own folders. Many of them commented on how "official" it made their learning feel, and I noticed an immediate boost in engagement. One student even asked, "Do I get to keep this forever?" It showed me how much they valued the sense of ownership these folders provided.

  The next steps for my students involve diving deeper into independent reading and writing exercises. Now that the materials are well-organized, students are more self-directed in choosing their tasks. We're working on a reading comprehension project where they pull specific strategies from their folders—like sentence starters and vocabulary lists—to enhance their understanding of texts. These kits are helping to bridge language gaps and allow my students to confidently approach challenging lessons with tools that are just right for them.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and 3 other donors.

• Fuel for Focus: Nutritious Snacks to Energize my ELL Students

  Funded Sep 16, 2024

  Thank you so much for providing the Fuel for Focus snacks for my ELL students! These nutritious treats have really made a difference in our classroom. The students are more focused and energized, which has helped them stay engaged during lessons. It's great to see them more alert and ready to learn! Plus, they feel cared for and appreciate the extra support, which has created an even more positive atmosphere in the room. It's amazing how something so simple has had such a big impact. We're truly grateful for your generosity and thoughtfulness!”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

  This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and one other donor.

• Paper Trail to Success: Support My Classroom Basic Essentials

  Funded Aug 12, 2024

  My Donors Choose project, "Paper Trail to Success: Support My Classroom Basic Essentials," made a big difference in my classroom. Having plenty of supplies like paper, pens, and folders meant my students were always prepared, which helped them stay organized and focused. It eliminated the stress of running out of essentials, making everything run more smoothly. I noticed students were more productive and ready to learn each day. Plus, not worrying about basic supplies allowed me to concentrate more on teaching and supporting their progress. Overall, the project helped create a better learning environment for everyone.”

  With gratitude,

  Ms. Smathers

  This classroom project was brought to life by Michael Jordan and The Jordan Brand and 2 other donors.