Past projects 14
Making Trick Words Less Tricky with Chalk!
Funded Dec 18, 2023Wow, my students are so in love with this new phonics center!! The blackboards, erasers and chalk are being used during phonics instruction, phonics centers or games, and even during their free fun time.
It is a true pleasure to watch my students light up when I bring out these materials. Know that you made this difference in my class and students. They are excited to learn and show off all they know about their reading and new words.
Thank you, thank you for your generosity, thoughtfulness and dedication to helping classrooms.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
Good Things Are Happening Here!
Funded Aug 4, 2023Wow, it filled me and my class with joy when they opened the boxes of new sensory and classroom materials. They each have had a chance to try out and use the helpful and engaging items.
One student has been particularly fond of the sensory fidget toy, which has many various function but all look silly. It allows the student to think less about the the event they were frustrated and more on relaxing their emotions.
One item that will continue to be used throughout the school year is our birthday crowns and art supplies. We love showing off our birthday kid and making them feel special. We all deserve that attention and love on our special day!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
Literacy Centers for First Grade Readers
Funded Jan 18, 2022Thank you so so much for these helpful resources!
We have started to use the literacy centers to guide the class in reviewing their phonics skills, in an engaging and independent way. Each week we spend a period of class reading then the students have a choice to either read independently or play a center game. Overwhelmingly, students are choosing to play phonics games! These games provide engagement, interest and learning.
When we first opened the boxes the students were elated!! The games are bright, colorful and fun!
Moving forward, we will use these games to help teach students phonics skills, add more fun and engagement to the day. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!!!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 7 other donors.STEM Stations for Inquisitive Minds
Funded Aug 13, 2021I can't tell you enough how much these resources have added and uplifted my students and my teaching this year. And it's only been a few weeks of school. My students use these STEM materials weekly in the classroom.
My students' eyes lit up when I first relieved the ELA centers. We have had games in our classroom, but never ones that were so colorful and interactive. One student even said, "Are you sure those are for us?"
We have been using these games as intervention tools for students who might have a few gaps in their learning. I plan to start having each student take a game during reading time to explore. We also plan on using the STEM science games during our project-based learning at the end of this unit. I can't wait to see their faces when we bring these experiments out for them to see!
Thank you, thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 8 other donors."Books Give Kids Mirrors and Windows"
Funded May 18, 2021WOW, my students loved opening up this box of books!! We have talked at length about the stories behind authors and their books. They kept asking what each book was going to be about. They had guesses using the front cover. One student even asked to take one back to their seat.
We only received the books last week, but we have already read and discussed the significance behind the book "A is for Activist". We have had conversations around activism and why people stand up for others. This book put these ideas into words, and at a level my students could read and understand.
During our "read around the room" time, I gave my students a chance to read our new books on their own. Even if they couldn't read the words, they could use the pictures. One student took the book, "Two Homes". He made connections with this book on a deeper level than many other students in my class. He has a similar situation of sharing two homes in his family. This moment captured the exact reason I wanted to make this project: to give my students mirrors and windows into the lives of themselves and others. We all have challenges or things that make us unique. But when we see those qualities in others, it can give a sense of comfort.
I am so very grateful. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
This classroom project was brought to life by Equitable and one other donor.Teachers Supporting Teachers
Funded Dec 31, 2020Thank you so much! I have had the opportunity to use this gift card to provide so many fun and engaging activities for my students! I used the website teacherspayteachers.com to collect games for my students. This website is a variety of activities that other teachers have made. By donating this card I am able to support teachers from around the country, while providing fun games to my class.
There was no "box to open" but I told my students that because of donors like you, we would have more fun games to play around the room. They have LOVED playing our sight word games, scoot and write the room. These are all active and creative games. Scoot has the students move from one table to the next, answering questions on a clipboard. Write the room is when I out papers around the room and the kids can go in any order to answer the questions.
This work is very much kid-led and fun. This is the opportunity you have provided for my students and I can't thank you enough!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
Proud and Independent in Kindergarten
Funded Dec 28, 2020Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous donation. You have turned a typical, mundane day and made it AMAZING! My students were thrilled to have new math games that were interactive. I was thrilled because I could give my students games that really focused on the skills we are learning.
The box arrived while we were at school, such luck! My students were already excited about the delivery, but when games came out they were so so happy.
We have used the games during our regular math time, but students have also started asking to use them during a "free choice" time, when we build and play games.
You truly have made a difference in my students' live, when they need it the most.
THANK YOU!
Bernice”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
Building Numbers and Letters with Legos in Kindergarten
Funded Sep 17, 2020We LOVE our new letter formation center! It has been so fun to see my students take ownership over their binder and the work they produce. They are excited to get started, to use legos and to learn about how the letter are made. This activity is good for their hand strength as well, which is needed for motor skills and writing. Thank you for providing such a fun and useful activity!
When I first showed them the binders, my students' eyes lit up! Kindergarteners don't use binders very often. They were amazed that they each had their own and that they could really use it to learn. In addition, during times of Covid, it has been helpful for them to have their own materials.
I look forward to showing them many ways to use their "build it binders". I plan on having them try to make words with legos, in addition to using playdough letters and words. I can't wait to see all my students will learn and discover. Thank you again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose 20th Anniversary Fund and 5 other donors.Kindergarten Independence and Success during Remote and Blended Learning
Funded Aug 27, 2020Thank you so much for your generous contributions to our project! My students are in love with the new word work center in our classroom. This center helps my students learn all about letters and their sounds, a vital skill for Kindergarten.
My students were over the moon when they saw the fun, interactive game they could play. They especially enjoy being able to do this on their own. They feel empowered and successful. We have also been using our skin color crayons and notebooks quite a bit during writing. These are proven to add the necessary realistic details we need in our drawings. It allows the students to feel more connected to their work.
We look forward to the skills they will continue to work on as well as the creative drawings and writing pieces they will create this school year.
Thank you!!
Bernice”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
Kindergarten Graduation Celebrations (from home)!
Funded May 5, 2020Words can't express how grateful I am for the opportunity to share joy and optimism during this time. Each of my Kindergarten students shared their feelings of happiness upon receiving their Graduation Package. Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness. These packages were delivered in person by myself and my co-teacher, as well as by mail to a few students who were living out-of-state.
The photos show their excitement to see their teachers, beyond the many virtual meetings we had over the past few months, and the pride they had in completing the year. They have learned so much about academics and friendship.
I am so happy we were able to spread this joy together. You made this happen and I am so grateful.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Patten
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 4 other donors.