Past projects 15
An Eye for an iPad
Funded Sep 23, 2021Thank you so much for providing the ipad! We're putting it into good use right away!
My teacher assistant and I are using it to teach with. Students are able to follow me or m when I'm directing a lesson with the class. For instance, when reviewing high frequency words, students can look on the white board as I scroll across using different apps. My assistant is also using the ipad to instruct students how to trouble shoot problems on their own devices. She models how to solve problems as students follow along on their ipads.
Due to the lack of devices, students are also using the donated ipad to work with their classmates. They have shared activities they can access simulateously and provide feedback to each other. Students are also using the device to share their powerpoints/videos projected to the whole class.
Once again, thank you for supporting our work with students by providing this ipad.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Quon
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.Makery Club with Micro:bits!
Funded Jun 17, 2021Thank you for supporting me with the chance to attend the Pathfinders Institute this summer! I learned how to create different kinds of simple circuits and switchboards using Makey Makey. The highlight was when we students all shared a small project we did that includes circuitry. I saw musical bongo drums and piano keys one can access by tapping on a (wired) sensor. My colleagues' work inspired me to make a touch-tone cat feeder sensor so I can track when my cats were stealing food! Something I will use it the classroom will be making closed circuits using copper tape. I need to start small so my students can understand how eletricity travels in closed circuits. Kids can learn how to switch on and off lights by creating a closed/open circuit usign copper tape, a light bulb, and battery.
Thankyou again!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Quon
This classroom project was brought to life by Infosys Foundation USA and 2 other donors.Code it with Kids!
Funded Dec 21, 2020Thank you for supporting my opportunity to attend the Pathfinders Winter Institute this year! I learned how to code using Birdbox materials. The Codejoy organization made coding very fun and accessible for a new learner like me. We made a small robot light up, move its chin and hands up and down, and turn its bodies sideways.
Although I am still a novice, this workshop inspired me to bring coding to my students now that they have devices to use. (Our urban school district gave every student a device during quarantine). Teachers I met at the institute shared ideas for starting a coding program, and now I've started a coding club teaching simple coding skills on apps like like Scratch Jr. I have a few simple Dash and Dot robots that students will soon be programming when we return to school. Parents were happy to see their children learning a new "language."
Thank you again for the opportunity to attend the inspiring Pathfinders Winter Institute!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Quon
This classroom project was brought to life by Infosys Foundation USA and 2 other donors.Make it the STEAM Way!
Funded Jun 13, 2019At the Infosystems Pathways Summer Teacher Institute, I learned how to implement Making in my classroom. In one class, I learned to install lighting with a switch for a wooden box I had assembled. In another class, I designed a decorative wooden plate for a jewelry box, cut by a laser cutter. In another class, I learned how to use children's literature to create design challenges for students. The highlight was meeting and learning from nation-wide colleagues some of the successes and challenges they encountered supporting making. When I begin school in a few weeks, I will start my students off with a simple fun design challenge based on the book "City of Ember."”
With gratitude,
Ms. Quon
This classroom project was brought to life by Infosys Foundation USA.Raising Readers: Phonics Fun!
Funded Jan 7, 2015Thank you very much for your kind contributions supporting the purchase of a reading rug, easel, and writing sleeves. We've used these items to support literacy in the classroom. These items are used on a daily basis in our rotations and don't look as nice and clean as in the photos anymore!
Instead of taping writing paper to the wall with the high-frequency words of the week, students are able to look at the easel that rests on the table. This helps students to focus on the words and individual letters that form the words. My writing on the easel is a lot larger than when I would just write on student paper taped to the wall. My kindergarten and first grade students have made remarks like, "I can see better!" and they no longer physically get up to walk closer to the wall to see each letter shape! Some students have used the easel in the role of a "teacher" when spelling out words for classmates. "When can I have a turn?" they would ask.
Students also enjoy using the writing sleeves. Not only are we practicing reusing materials, but no paper is being wasted! Using dry-erase markers, they can write letters endlessly. "Can we do more dictation?" one student begged from the enjoyment of using different tools. They enjoy the sensation of the markers and erasers on the plastic sleeve, so different from a pencil and paper and controlled push of a rubber eraser on paper! I am also able to get immediate feedback from the kids when I look at their progress on the writing sleeves, which informs any necessary modifications in my instruction. For instance, kids also use these to practice writing numbers. I can see right away who needs remediation.
The carpet was welcomed with much delight! As soon as I laid out the carpet, students ran to it, and began sitting on it. They were so happy to have a carpet for our library! The carpet is used as a reading center and writing center when I work with students on the rug. During independent time, I've noticed more students frequent the library to get a book to read on the carpet. Before, they were restricted to reading at their desks, but now they can have more flexibility of reading on a clean carpet.
Tools like these support and enhance my role as a literacy teacher. Using these tools for learning have certainly been motivational and practical for reading and writing and other subject areas. Thank you so much for your support of my teaching efforts. Thank you for supporting the educational progress of our students!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Quon
This classroom project was brought to life by Annenberg Foundation and 6 other donors.