Past projects 13
Winter Break Reading, Stickers and Erasable Pens!
Funded Dec 9, 2024I want to express how thankful I am for your donations to my project! I am excited to give the students the gift of reading for their winter break gift. My students love writing with pens, and now that they make erasable pens... I don't fight them on it! They will be so excited to use them! Again, thank you so much for your contribution to my classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
Classroom Management
Funded Jun 25, 2021I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on two simple yet impactful materials we use in our classroom—animal erasers and a pencil dispenser—and how they contribute to creating a positive and effective learning environment for students.
Animal erasers may seem like just a fun classroom novelty, but they offer much more than that. These colorful, playful erasers are a fantastic way to engage students while reinforcing important learning concepts. First and foremost, they add an element of fun to what could otherwise be a mundane task like erasing mistakes. Whether students are using them for writing exercises, math problems, or creative projects, these erasers provide a tactile, visual reinforcement that makes learning feel more interactive.
Animal erasers also serve as a motivating reward system. By giving them as incentives for completing assignments, showing good behavior, or achieving specific learning goals, we help students feel recognized and appreciated. This small token of achievement can have a powerful impact on student motivation, encouraging them to stay focused, try their best, and take pride in their work. Additionally, using these erasers in group activities fosters a sense of community, as students often enjoy trading or sharing them, which can enhance collaboration and social interaction in the classroom.
A pencil dispenser may seem like a simple classroom tool, but its impact is far-reaching. By providing students with easy access to pencils throughout the day, the dispenser reduces interruptions during lessons and minimizes the need for students to leave their seats to retrieve writing tools. This helps maintain the flow of instruction and keeps students engaged with minimal distractions. Having pencils readily available also eliminates the problem of lost or broken pencils, which can often disrupt the learning process.
In addition to improving classroom efficiency, the pencil dispenser encourages personal responsibility. Students learn to take care of their own materials and manage their time effectively. For younger students in particular, it provides a sense of autonomy as they can independently grab a pencil when needed, without relying on the teacher or classmates for help. The dispenser also helps maintain organization in the classroom, as it keeps pencils in one central location, reducing clutter and ensuring that students are not searching for supplies.
Both animal erasers and a pencil dispenser may seem like small, simple additions to the classroom, but their impact is significant. Animal erasers provide an engaging, fun way to encourage positive behavior and academic achievement, while the pencil dispenser promotes efficiency, organization, and student independence. Together, these materials help create a classroom environment that is not only well-organized but also supportive, motivating, and conducive to learning.
I believe these tools enhance the overall classroom experience, making it easier for students to focus, stay engaged, and take pride in their work. Thank you for considering the value of these materials in supporting a positive learning environment for all students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
Third Grade Here We Come!
Funded Jun 5, 2022I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts on the impact of a few materials in the classroom that I believe make a significant difference in enhancing the learning experience for students. These items—scoop rocker chairs, Play-Doh, animal erasers, and Pop It bracelets—may seem simple, but their benefits are far-reaching and contribute greatly to both the academic and social-emotional development of students.
Scoop rocker chairs have become a valuable addition to our classroom setup. These chairs provide students with an ergonomic seating option that supports their physical comfort, while also promoting movement. The gentle rocking motion can help students focus and stay engaged during lessons, particularly for those who benefit from sensory input. For children with ADHD or other attention challenges, these chairs offer a calming, self-regulating experience that helps them maintain focus and concentration. Additionally, the flexible seating arrangement fosters a sense of autonomy and choice, empowering students to select where they feel most comfortable to learn.
Play-Doh is much more than just a fun activity; it's a powerful tool for learning. In the classroom, Play-Doh supports creativity and imagination, allowing students to visualize concepts they may struggle to understand in other ways. Whether used for building models of shapes in math, creating tactile representations of vocabulary words, or engaging in fine motor exercises, Play-Doh encourages hands-on learning that promotes both cognitive and physical development. For younger students, the act of manipulating Play-Doh helps strengthen hand muscles and improves dexterity, which is essential for writing and other fine motor tasks. In addition, Play-Doh offers a stress-relieving break for students, fostering relaxation and creative exploration during the school day.
Animal erasers, while small and seemingly playful, are effective tools that engage students while reinforcing learning concepts. These erasers can be used as rewards or tools for hands-on learning activities. For example, they can be used in counting exercises, sorting tasks, or to help with storytelling and creative writing activities. Their tactile and visual appeal also makes them popular with students, turning something as simple as an eraser into an exciting learning tool. Additionally, using these erasers as incentives or rewards motivates students to work toward specific goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and encouraging positive behaviors. Their fun nature brings a sense of joy to the classroom, making academic tasks feel less like work and more like a game.
Pop It bracelets, a more recent trend, have proven to be an innovative and highly effective way to encourage positive behavior in the classroom. These sensory toys are both engaging and calming, allowing students to use the tactile "popping" motion to release stress and self-regulate their emotions. As a reward system, Pop It bracelets serve as a tangible incentive for students who meet specific goals, whether it's completing a task, following classroom rules, or demonstrating good citizenship. The excitement of earning a Pop It bracelet encourages students to take pride in their behavior and academic achievements, while also offering a fun, sensory outlet for managing stress and anxiety. They can also foster social connections as students share and trade these popular items, building a sense of community within the classroom.
Incorporating materials like scoop rocker chairs, Play-Doh, animal erasers, and Pop It bracelets in the classroom has a lasting and positive impact on students' learning and overall experience. These materials not only enhance academic achievement by supporting hands-on learning and focus but also provide outlets for creativity, sensory regulation, and positive reinforcement. They help create a classroom environment that is inclusive, supportive, and engaging for all learners, encouraging them to thrive in both their intellectual and social-emotional development.
I believe that the thoughtful integration of these materials helps create a classroom culture that values both play and productivity, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. Thank you for considering their impact in our teaching environments.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
Social Distancing Classroom Supplies
Funded Aug 18, 2020I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share my reflections on the impact of several classroom materials—crayons, magnetic hooks, headphones, dry erase erasers, and dry erase boards—and how they contribute to a positive and effective learning environment.
Crayons are an essential tool in early childhood and elementary education. They promote creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression, allowing students to engage with learning in a hands-on, interactive way. Whether used for art projects, diagrams, or highlighting key concepts in their notes, crayons encourage students to explore their imaginations and make learning more dynamic. Additionally, the tactile nature of crayons helps young learners build coordination and focus, making abstract concepts more tangible.
Magnetic hooks, though simple, serve as powerful organizational tools. In the classroom, they can be used to hang materials like posters, charts, or even student work. Their versatility allows educators to create a flexible learning environment where resources can be easily adjusted or rotated, keeping the classroom visually stimulating. Magnetic hooks can also help reduce clutter by providing quick access to important tools or keeping frequently used materials within reach, which ultimately supports a more organized and efficient teaching space.
Headphones are increasingly important in classrooms with digital learning tools, as they help students focus on individual tasks without being distracted by surrounding noise. For students engaged in reading apps, educational videos, or interactive lessons, headphones provide a way to immerse themselves fully in the material. They also foster an environment of respect and consideration, as students can engage with multimedia content without disturbing others. Furthermore, headphones can be essential for supporting students with auditory processing needs or those requiring quiet spaces for concentration.
Dry erase erasers, though often overlooked, are crucial in maintaining a productive classroom environment. They allow teachers and students to quickly correct mistakes, brainstorm ideas, or revise key concepts during lessons. The ease with which students can write and erase encourages a dynamic, fluid learning process, fostering an atmosphere where trial and error are embraced. Additionally, these erasers promote environmental sustainability by reducing the need for paper-based activities, making them a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional chalkboards and paper assignments.
Dry erase boards offer a range of benefits in the classroom. They allow for interactive, visual learning that can be easily modified as the lesson progresses. Teachers can use them for group discussions, problem-solving activities, and demonstrations, ensuring that all students are actively engaged. For students, the ability to quickly jot down ideas, solve problems, or contribute to group work on a shared board makes learning more engaging and collaborative. Dry erase boards are also effective for accommodating different learning styles, as they support both visual and kinesthetic learners.
Each of these materials—crayons, magnetic hooks, headphones, dry erase erasers, and dry erase boards—plays a unique role in shaping the classroom experience. Together, they foster an environment that is organized, interactive, creative, and conducive to focused learning. By providing students with the right tools, we are better able to support their development and create an inclusive, engaging educational experience.
Thank you for considering the importance of these materials in our learning environments. Their impact is undeniable, and I believe they are key to fostering a classroom that encourages growth, collaboration, and creativity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
Small Group Needs
Funded Apr 28, 2024Thank you so much for your donations to my classroom! I am so excited to have your support in teaching these second graders! We can't wait to use our new supplies and implement them during our small group intervention time! These materials you helped us fund will be engaging to them!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Supporter and 2 other donors.Supplies Refresh!
Funded Jan 25, 2024Thank you so much for your gracious donations!! I’m so happy this was funded so quickly!! We are so excited to get our new supplies to use throughout the rest of the school year. The headphones will put a huge smile on all their faces!! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
Headphones, Birthdays, and Rewards!
Funded Sep 23, 2023Thank you so much for your kind donations to my classroom community! We are so thankful that you find value in our project in order to promote engagement, positive behavior, and celebrate birthdays. Your donations will not go unnoticed or unused! Thank you so much for your support of my second grade classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
New Classroom = New Lamps and New Special Seat
Funded Jul 18, 2023I greatly appreciate your donations toward my new classroom! The lamps and special seat will be so loved by my students and I! They will create such a comfortable environment for learning for my students. I cannot wait to kick the school year off with a good start! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
This classroom project was brought to life by Kleenex and one other donor.Good Fuel = More Engagement
Funded Oct 26, 2022Im so thankful for you donations to my classroom. Your support of my students and I does not go unnoticed! These snacks will make all of them so happy and increase their afternoon engagement. You’re donations are making a great impact on my students and taking a burden off of their families :)”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman
Organization, Supplies, Comfy Spots, Oh My!
Funded Jun 30, 2022Thank you so much for fully funding my donor's choose project! It means so much to my class and I to have your support. I can't wait to start using these items when we get back to school. The students and I will put them to good use.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Guzman