Past projects 2
Digitizing Learning in a First Grade Dual Language Classroom
Funded Jan 5, 2017I would be impossible to fully convey my gratitude for your support in funding this project. I have long wanted to have a fully functional iPad center in my classroom and you all have made that a reality. Moreover, we are now fully stocked with two complete Osmo sets that provide students' additional opportunities to pursue their personal interests when engaging with technology.
Centers have long been students favorite part of the day, but the excitement I now see on their faces when they realize it is their turn in the technology center is unmatched. "Hey, look!!! We get to go to technology today!!" they shout joyfully.
The typical conversation then transitions into:
"What should we do?"
"I want to use Osmo."
"Which game? Numbers? Shapes? Coding? Actually, I think I want to play BigBrainz! Let's go, let's go!!!"
And suddenly the conversations dissipate as students put on their headphones and clue into the task at hand. They have been anxiously awaiting their turn and do not want to waste any precious iPad time.
Not only are students using these new resources to grow their brains, but the resources are also fostering newfound responsibility. The iPads and games must be taken care of, put away, charged, and treated kindly and they are. These students know the iPads are a privilege and kindly treat them as such.
I don't exaggerate when I say these iPads have revolutionized our classroom. Thank you for helping bring smiles to all of our faces and providing new platforms for learning, thus enhancing the education of all my first graders.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Turner
Space to Learn in a Dual Language Classroom
Funded Oct 29, 2014It was the morning of the great reveal. The students stood in two lines in the hallway, as they do every morning. On this day, however, the classroom door was closed. Before entering, I told them, "Boy and girls, we have a very special addition to our classroom. I am very excited to share it with you, but please unpack your backpacks before doing anything else." Of course, once they saw the carpet, they could not wait. Neither could I. Two months with a carpet made for 12 people in a class of 24 was a very tight squeeze. They were elated. Still wearing their backpacks and coats, they flocked to the carpet. "Ms. Turner!! We have a new carpet!!" shouted one. "Do we each have our own square?!" asked another. "This is the same carpet Ms. Walkup has!" "Did you take Ms. Walkup's carpet?" a student asked. I laughed, and answered that these materials had been donated by very generous people.
Two months after receiving these wonderful gifts, I cannot fathom how we survived without them. Meeting time, mini-lessons, and every moment spent on the carpet has been made easier. Each student has space to sit cross-legged, or in whatever position he or she finds comfortable. With the increased space, complaints about lack of space, touching, and not being able to see have all but disappeared. Now, we are able to focus on learning, facilitated by our new easel.
But these two items have done much more than just improve focus. Students love working in partnerships and groups now that they have a carpet to keep them warm. Independent reading time is much more appealing when you can get comfortable on the carpet, instead of sitting at a cold, hard desk. The easel supports my organization, as I can now keep all material's needed for the day on it's shelf. The wheels mean the easel rolls to the center of the carpet, and allows students to see our guided work from their desks. Using the hooks at the top, I can easily hang, store and use chart paper to provide students' visual support. The lined whiteboard on the back allows students to see exemplar writing including: spaces between words, straight lines, neatly formed letters and appropriate punctuation.
Though I could describe the benefits to infinity, I will stop here and instead express my endless gratefulness. Thank you for caring, thank you for supporting these 24 eager and excited first graders and thank you for making a difference.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Turner