Past projects 6
A Place for Everything, and Everything in Its Place
Funded Sep 1, 2022When my students began to see boxes arrive, they were very excited to find out what new things we had received for the classroom. They looked at everything as I pulled it out and...."what is that?" many of them said. Unsure of what they were looking at they quickly lost interest.
The next day, however, students noticed something new as they came into the classroom. "Hey that looks cool, what is it?" is what I began to hear. "That is our new writing center, it is where we will keep all of the different writing paper as well as pens and highlighters" I explained to them.
"Hey, that is the book we read yesterday!" I heard as one student pointed to the new magnetic book holders on the board. This was an opening for a great conversation that continued between several students about the story we had read the day before.
The items that I choose for this project not only help me to keep my classroom organized but provide students with the ability to work independently by finding and maintain their own materials..”
With gratitude,
Ms. Westerman
Writing Essentials
Funded Oct 18, 2022Through your generous donations, my class of first graders will have more options, as well as all the tools necessary to become amazing authors. These items will continue to help classes beyond this year as well. My students are excitedly waiting for their new writing tools to arrive so they continue to grow as writers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Westerman
They Weeble and They Wobble and Then They Can Learn!
Funded Apr 1, 2021I was able to purchase two wobble seats, 3 wiggle seats, and a ball chair. These have provided alternate seating for students who need more movement. If I see that a student is struggling to sit in their chair, it may be rocking, falling off of it, or never in it, I will offer students one of the alternative chairs. Students are taught how to use the chair safely.
Student were very excited when the chairs arrived. Most students were familiar with these types of chairs. Students were all able to try out the different seats.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Westerman
This classroom project was brought to life by T-Mobile.Headphone to Help Us Hear!
Funded Apr 1, 2021Our new headphones have allowed students to participate in online learning. They are able to work on two online programs focused on math and ELA. Without the headphones students would not be able to focus on their individual program. Headphones also allow students to have choice in their learning since they can work on the computer while groups and other learning is happening.
These headphones are adjustable to fit the smaller heads of the first graders which make them more useful. Also the larger opening makes them more comfortable. Other devices such as earbuds are not the appropriate size. Other headphones do not always have a good connection with the laptops making the sound go in and out.
Having good working headphones has allowed me to provide additional support for my ELL students as well. I can use songs, videos, and other learning programs to provide additional support for these students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Westerman
This classroom project was brought to life by T-Mobile.Teacher Technology
Funded Sep 14, 2020Thank you for being a part of my project Teacher Technology . Due to the pandemic the way we "do" school has changed dramatically. My first grade students began the school year online. These young kids were expected to jump into using technology that many adults struggle to use. Keeping students engaged while sitting in front of a computer screen presents many new challenges.
A key component for successful online learning is to have the proper equipment. Through my project I was able to purchase a web camera, a computer stand, and wireless headphones and mic.
The web camera and wireless mic have allowed to me to move around in my classroom and use many of the materials. The computer stand held the computer at an angle that allowed students to better see me and the things that I was presenting.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Westerman
Looking to the Future by Looking Under the Microscope
Funded Mar 20, 2018As I unpacked the microscopes and students could see what had arrived for them, a buzz grew throughout the room. Questions began, slowly at first and then with increasing excitement as students noticed that each microscope came in its own case and with additional supplies.
This is my 4th year as a science specialist. Being at a Title 1 school it has been a struggle to acquire even the most basic technology to provide students with a well rounded and exciting experience. I had purchased a few microscopes from thrift stores but unfortunately they were not in good working order so, I was very happy to be able to respond "yes" to the questions "Do these ones work?" and "Do we really get to use these?"
The excitement that came with having the microscopes in the room was nothing compared with what happened once students began to actually use them. Questioning is vital to science yet can be a real struggle for students to produce these questions. However, questions began to flow with ease from students as they engaged with the microscopes.
The arrival of the microscopes revived an excitement in students. They wanted to work, ask questions, and even the most reluctant students were engaged. Through your generous donations I was able to see students come alive! They were showing their natural curiosity and imagination, which all to often today seems to be difficult reach.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Westerman
This classroom project was brought to life by Orkin and 5 other donors.