Past projects 2
A Calm Classroom Is a Happy Classroom
Funded Jan 30, 2018My students and I are loving our new Social Emotional books, games, and supplies! The light covers were a surprise to us one morning, and the difference was huge! Our lighting is less harsh and more relaxed. Many staff members have commented on how nice it makes the environment and have even asked about the covers so that they can put them in their own rooms! We unpacked the books as a class, and boy, were we excited! One of our favorite books, Rainbow Fish, was one of the first to come out of the box. You should have heard the happy shouts! We started doing Social Emotional Lessons in our room every day, and these books serve as our mentor texts to guide us and build our social imaginations. We even got to make a craft based on Rainbow Fish and write how we wanted to be a good friend! Other great lessons so far include how to help our Volcano Mouths and thinking about how we are all special and unique. For some of our friends in our classroom who need a little extra, the card stock and lamination were a huge help in making visual schedules and choice boards. We have also loved playing the games, especially Mad Dragon! Some of our friends play it every morning with a fourth grade buddy to help review strategies to manage anger and cope with big feelings. We will continue to use these tools as we finish out the school year, and we are grateful for your help in developing our social skills as much as we can before we head off to second grade!
I am also grateful to have these texts and tools to jumpstart my social emotion lessons next year and the many years to come. First grade is a time where students learn how to interact with each other and the world, and, thanks to your generosity, I am better equipped to help my students develop skills that will help them be successful, well-adjusted people. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Fabian
Diverse Seats for Diverse Students!
Funded Apr 27, 2017It's been a little under a year since our project was funded, and the flexible seating is still just as appreciated and loved by all as day one! So far, your donation has helped the success of 42 children (2 classes) and will continue to do so for years to come.
When we first received the materials, we introduced them option by option. Every time we added a new kind of seat, the students were teeming with excitement. The idea that they would get to sit in a different way and eventually (after our "training period") get to pick THIER OWN smart spot was very motivating! I saw them take more ownership of our classroom as they took extra care to make sure their cool seats stayed nice.
Starting off the year with flexible seating has been an adventure! We are introducing our different types of seats and this group of students is enjoying the variety and choice just as much as the last group. Our classroom has many energetic boys, and they love the bounce their feet on the bouncy bands and wiggle on the wiggle cushions. We are still learning the expectations for different seats (at the beginning of the year, we slowly teach expectations as they acclimate to school) but we are excited to see what our room looks like when we have all of the seats fully implemented!
Our book bins are the PERFECT storage solution. We keep all of our books, folders, and pencil pouches in the bins. They help keep our classroom neat, and we would not be able to have successful flexible seating without them.
Our classroom is one of three in our building that has flexible seating, and I have colleagues come check it out for ideas all the time. Each time a staff member comes to our room, I beam with gratitude for all of you as I tell them exactly how we were able to get so many options. I remain humbled by your incredible generosity. These kiddos are our future and for them (and me) to have your support is truly a blessing.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Fabian