Past projects 7
Let's Make a Big Dill and Pickle Ball
Funded Dec 5, 2022Wow! It has been so much fun to teach the students about Pickle Ball. From the moment we received the nets and paddles and other resources the kids were so excited. Just the process of learning how to unpack and assemble the nets was a learning opportunity.
The first day they went up and we played they immediately were having fun. There were pickle balls flying all over the auditorium and kids running everywhere to get them and try again. The best was the quick question of when will we get to play again?
Although it has been a long learning period, if you have ever played pickle ball the rules are quite extensive, we are finally starting to understand the rules and even a little bit of strategy. My goal is to be able to offer a league set up in the fall that students can choose a partner and they can compete in a ladder style competition!
The amazing commitment to students and sports that you have is truly appreciated!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation - Sports Matter and 8 other donors.Say What? Headphones for ENL and IEP Students
Funded Oct 11, 2021It is with enormous pleasure that I write this Impact Letter. The last two years have been quite an experience in educating! Over the past two years I have worked to learn how best to address the needs of my students under new and often overwhelming circumstances. The constant support from donors like you motivate me to continue to implement new strategies in my pedagogy.
The headphones have been used almost everyday! The students were so excited to receive them! We use them during flipped lessons, our IEP students use them to watch anchor videos where I reteach and review the work prior to tests and our ENL students use them to utilize translation services and Talk to Text tools.
My favorite way to utilize them is with anchor videos.Using Screencastify I am able to create videos that review specific assignments or concepts. I can use examples of student work and create videos. I can translate material and review concepts! Students can choose which videos to use. So within the class students can be viewing different what material that is differentiated and most relevant to them!
Again, this was made possible because you believed in this project and I am grateful for all of your support!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by Clorox and 2 other donors.Wanted: Clipboards and Post-It NotesReward: Successful Gallery Walks
Funded Mar 5, 2017It has been so fantastic to have these supplies in our classroom. The first day I revealed our new clipboards the kids were so excited! They were impressed with the style and color and the fact that they were not handmade from recycled boxes, clips and rubber bands.
The most motivating moment was when one of the students said, "I feel so professional with these new clipboards, it is almost like I am a doctor or a teacher." Of course my first reaction was flattery that she put doctors and teachers in the same sentence and then joy that such a simple classroom tool could raise a child's confidence and attitude towards their work. To feel like a professional while walking through a 7th grade Social Studies classroom in Brooklyn while completing a Gallery Walk or participating in a Station Teaching activity is such a great gift you were able to provide for these students and the students who I will teach in the future! That is what is so great about this donation, that it's impact and usefulness will be for future classes and students as well.
Through your donation you have helped create a classroom of professional students! It is with my deepest appreciation that I thank you for that!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson
Let The Museum Come To Us!
Funded Dec 15, 2014I cannot begin to express the impact our Museum Visit has had on my classes. Mr. Ben came twice from the New York Historical Society and he was great! He brought artifacts, documents and activities for the kids to complete. The first day they decided the outcome of a trial between a slave owner and a possibly free man. It was amazing to watch the students study documents and artifacts and participate in the decision making. The students expressed the most enjoyment on Mr. Ben's second visit when he brought a ton of artifacts from the Historical Society like a sheriff's badge, sewing kit, powder horn, fools gold, buzzer game and wheat berries. The kids could not get enough of it! They kept asking if it was okay for them to take pictures of the artifacts with their phones!
Not only did they have fun when the Museum Came To Us, but they learned valuable information that was in line with our curriculum. The information they learned created a strong base and reference point that I have referred back to a number of times. It is with great confidence that I can say that this project has added a wealth of knowledge and understanding within our classroom. Not only did the students walk away with new knowledge but I also learned new ways to present content from our visitor, something that I will use in my practice.
Thank you, again, so much for your kind hearts and generous gifts.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia and 18 other donors.King Tut Played Senet...And So Do I!
Funded Aug 23, 2014There is always excitement when boxes are delivered to your classroom, but it is even more rewarding when the students find out it is for them. This project was especially exciting because it included games. Games, that without realizing it, are teaching the students about strategy and history! We just used the Mancala games this past week and are patiently waiting for the next games to be delivered. The students were motivated to learn about the history of the game and the strategy used to win. Using games has helped some students come out of their shell and become the experts, teaching others how to win. The most valuable aspect of this project, so far, is watching the students apply math skills, strategy and history together to play a game that they are having fun at, while learning!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 6 other donors.Extra,Extra Read All About It : Newspaper Reporters in Need
Funded Apr 4, 2012It was so exciting to receive these great items!! When the students came in I left the boxes on the desks. I explained to them how DonorsChoose.org helped us gain tools that would make their job at the newspaper fun and exciting. They were so thankful that you chose to donate to them and give them these amazing gifts that they began to use them right away. After opening the boxes the students were so excited to use the voice recorders (thank goodness I had batteries). First, they recorded each other and then me. But, after a few minutes of playing around they began to have all these ideas for articles and interviews. The next class period we met they were interviewing students and the guidance counselor for a bullying article. It was great to see how a simple tool is able to motivate and inspire the students creativity. The same was true for the art supplies. Immediatley the students took out their sketch books and began to draw. They created cartoon strips for the end of the school year.
It is always amazing to see how simple additions to the classroom can change the dynamic, and our school newspaper owes that to you. Thank you for your donation and continued support in our classroom. It is truly appreciated. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson
Travel Through Ancient History...
Funded Nov 18, 2009It was such a wonderful feeling to have this project fully funded. As well as motivational. It has motivated me to be able to diversify my classroom instruction even further by adding the video center.
We have been using the center in various ways thus far. Not only have individual students visited but small groups as well. It has opened up a whole new way for the students to view history. The National Geographic videos bring history to life.
Thank you so much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Peterson