Past projects 4
Coding AND Arts in First Grade?! Yes We Can!
Funded Nov 13, 2017Thank you so much for funding this project! We are so excited to bring these resources into our classroom. Early experience with this kind of immersive technology will inspire and prepare a new, diverse generation of scientists, artists, and engineers. I cannot wait to get this up and running in our classroom and share with you how we are using it!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Osborn
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Donor and 10 other donors.Get First Grade Moving (and Sitting!)
Funded Mar 17, 2017Thank you so much for all of your continued support for my classroom. These resources have been instrumental in improving the culture in my classroom! Believe it or not, six-year-olds need to move! Each year there are always a few students who have behavior problems that stem from their need to be constantly in motion, for one reason or another. Maybe they have some signs of an attention disorder, or maybe they are just not used to sitting still and completing classwork. Having wobble chairs available for these students has greatly reduced the disruptive behaviors for several of my students this year, and last school year as well. All of my students know that these are a tool, not a reward, just like pencils. It is such a great life lesson for my whole class, because we can discuss how not all students need the same resources to succeed, and this is OK! Teaching social and life skills is such a big part of my class. These chairs are another way that we can practice empathy and appreciation for differences in a way that is accepted, not stigmatized.
We have also had a blast with our recess equipment! Again, these resources are a great way to teach and practice social skill with my students. Because there is such a deficit in this area for our students, boys and girls are usually separated at recess time. This means that only half of the first grade students can play on the playground structure each day. With these resources, the other group can finally do much more than play tag! We use these balls, jump ropes, hoops and Frisbees to practice sharing, cooperating, teamwork, and treating toys with respect. Students are responsible for taking care of the resources, as well as making sure that all are collected at the end of recess. We have discussed the importance of taking care of our things so that we will be able to continue playing with them in the future. Additionally, these toys keep students moving and focused on a play activity, decreasing incidents of bullying and fighting during recess time.
With one exception: the football. To be perfectly honest, this was more of a learning experience for me than for my students. They were thrilled to see the football and love playing with it! However, many of the boys are on football teams and are used to playing a regular football game, with pads and tackles, instead of 'two hand touch'. The football has actually increased arguments over rules, rough physical play, and decreased inclusive behaviors among students. At six, it is hard for my students to remember to use one set of rules at school and a rougher set of rules at football practice. So, for now the football is not allowed for recess play. Hopefully in the future, it can be used for some more restricted 'passing drill' activities during recess time.
Thank you again for your donations! I look forward to continuing to see the social skills of my students develop throughout the year using these resources.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Osborn
Let Them Learn How Kids Today Learn!
Funded Feb 9, 2017Thank you so much for funding this project! Our older students are beginning to use chromebooks for testing, but we have found that they are really struggling with confidently using the technology. While younger students need time to learn how to properly use computers, these tablets allow them to interact in a much more intuitive way with technology!
These tablets are allowing my students to access personalized and online educational games and activities, so that we can spend more time in small groups. This allows students to get more direct and one on one attention from me, the teacher. With the addition of these tablets in my class, I can feel confident that my other students are not losing valuable instructional time.
These tablets have also been a great resource for my ESL students, who are able to listen to audio recordings of books as they read along. My other students with unique behavioral and developmental needs have also greatly benefited from the ability to access instructional activities appropriate for their level when they are not able to participate in a group activity. They can also bring the tablets with them to their desk, or other alternative seating areas!
This has been such an amazing resource that I am so grateful for! I am looking forward to possibly expanding my tablet resources so that students can interact with the whole group instruction on tablets!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Osborn
This classroom project was brought to life by Anonymous Donor and 5 other donors.Differentiation Station
Funded Feb 7, 2017Thank you so much for supporting this project! We use these resources daily! The mini whiteboard is now and essential part of my small group lessons, as I try to more closely identify and close gaps in student learning. The students love finding the correct color bin on the cart to take out or turn in an activity.
When we received the boxes, the students were so excited to help me bring them to the room and unpack them! They were so impressed that people they had never met bought things for their classroom.
As we begin the new school year, my new group of students are so thrilled to have classroom that is set up to give them the most individual attention possible. I can already tell that this year is off to a great start! Thank you truly from the bottom of my heart!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Osborn