Review of the three Donors Choose Applications

I learned so much from the passion these teachers have for ensuring the best educational experience for each of their students. The one that stood out to me the most was the project asking for funding for new desks so that students could stand while learning. I was always a kid in class that couldn't sit still, and sometimes I even had teachers that would ask me to stand in the back during class because of it. I would have loved an environment that allowed me to stand to learn. 

One thing I think some of the represented teachers could improve on is choosing what they ask for. Some of the projects to raise money ask for things that don't seem to be very helpful at all, so it seems like the money should rather be going to some of the other necessary projects. 

     Looking at all three donorschoose.org projects and the need for funding is important across all three. It becomes apparent that many of the teachers requesting funding are in Title I schools, under-funded, and schools with a lack of resources for funding. Schooling has become more important than ever in these times and do I agree with all three projects yes such as the project that most interested me out of the three is a literary specialist trying to procure books for a more inclusive library. Inclusivity is very important to have and literature especially, with literature it gives a student the ability to connect on a deeper level with a character and to find answers to their personal life questions. Most of all the description of the students’ lives is what stands out most and how the connection to all the projects are linked to low income school districts.        
     The second fundraiser is for a 3D printer for a rural location school. This one also mentions the low-income location as well as poverty. No matter how many times I read it, the same is across all fundraisers in which it is a poverty low-income location. Getting a 3D printer is an important piece of technology for students to be able to use. In a rural location many probably have never even seen a 3D printer, and this is what the world of technology is going to and to give a student the ability to use one and to understand how it works is a valuable asset in this world. They might have done better to restrain from mentioning the fact that their school is in the bottom 6% of failing schools in their state. I only say so because some may think that the school should be focusing more on the curriculum than investing in a new device. Their request was very personal and thoughtful, and I think did an overall really good job of requesting for help for their school. 
     The last donor project improving reading in their school for those students that have been through trauma and are working on their vocabulary and critical thinking skills. They are asking for donations for specific book sets that will allow their students to integrate new language skills. I wish they mentioned more information about these book sets but overall, you get a broad understanding of what they are needed to better their school curriculum. I think all three of these donor projects do a very good job at expressing their genuine need for each project and how it can benefit their school programs. These donor projects set a great example for myself if I ever needed to seek extra help for my classroom.

Link 1: In the first project, there was a lot of information given as to why this would donation would be worth your money. I liked how he added a picture of his class using computers- this shows that they really use the computers in their class. He explains that the computers were not updated however, and it is causing a lack of resources for him in his teaching. He explains exactly what he would use the new updated computers to do such as things like virtual field trips, online readers, assessments and other activities. He also explained that most of his students learn best through visual, interactive activities. I think overall he did a great job with this project.
Link 2: I would be more likely to donate to this project because of the fact that this project reaches 166 students, whereas the first project only reaches 28 students. This teacher added photos which was nice to see, and explained that he thinks the technology that he wants will not only help his students improve in math, but foster an appreciation for it as well. I like that he mentioned he would also be teaching skills that students will be using for the rest of their lives. His explanation on why he needs this technology was a lot better than the first one, explaining exactly what he is going to use it for, and WHY it is needed.
Link 3: This project was poorly put together in my opinion. I appreciate the fact that this project will reach 125 students, however I did not find much of an explanation as to how this technology is going to benefit her classroom. She gives a very vague description as to what she is going to use it for, but she did do a good job at explaining how it will help the transition from elementary school to middle school. 

Overall, if I were to donate I would donate to the second project that I chose. This project reaches the most students, has the best explanation as to how the technology will be used and how it will benefit the classrooms, and it mentioned that the skills used would be skills that students will use for the rest of their lives.

The first Donors Choose request that I viewed was a teacher in Glenpool Oklahoma asking for funding for art supplies for her classroom. This page was very vague and could have used more details about exactly what the funding would be for and who it would help. I also think more specific details of the community/ environment that the students lived in would have been beneficial as well. Only one donor gave to this project, which I am seeing to be pretty universal. I think this site doesn't do much to really reach the community. 

The next page I reviewed was a 5th grade teacher in Norman asking for funds to buy graphic novels for her classroom. I think this page was a little more put together than the last one I looked at. I liked how the teacher discussed the growing popularity of graphic novels and how they specifically would help her students. I think it would be beneficial for her to include research about the use of graphic novels in the classroom as well as discuss the availability of these books in the school's library. 

The last one I reviewed was from the track coach at US Grant High School in OKC. This coach was asking for funding for drinks and snacks for their track team both for meets and practices. This one included details about their student's socioeconomic backgrounds which I think is very helpful. 

1.    In the “Family Care Packages” application I thought the teacher did okay just missed the mark on some of it. Like the intention was really good behind it, yet she really did not talk on the needs of her specific students in my opinion. She also did not really specify until like the very, very end what these people are paying like she should have made a specific list that has what the item is and why it is being incorporated into the care packages. Perhaps moving it to the beginning would draw more people in. I know that I would be more willing to give to someone if they upfront told me what I am investing into!
2.     In the “Steam Backpacks” application I thought the teacher did a really good job of explaining why she wants to send the bags home with families. These backpacks really allow the students hands-on learning experiences (which is my personal favorite). I think the teacher did a better job at explaining where the money would be going and what specifically the money would be going to. The only thing that threw me off is that though she explains the supplies there really isn’t an example of the projects that the student would be completing. That would have been what really set it over the top! 
3.     In the “Flexible Seating” application I think the teacher did a really great explaining why she wants the money and what it would go to. I personally think flexible seating is some beneficial in a classroom. I think this was my favorite one out of all of them! 

I chose three DonorsChoose applications from Heritage Trails Elementary School in Moore, OK.  I looked for applications that are requesting what I view to be necessities for the classroom.  Two of the applications are requesting updated materials for students to work with.  One is requesting a new organization system for her classroom.

Review #1:

Storage Spaces!
The title clearly indicates the item that is requested.  

Help me give my students storage spaces to help organize their daily supplies!
Directs the audience, articulates who the audience is helping, what is needed and why it is needed.

My Students
My students are six and seven years old, living in a medium economic class in Oklahoma. I have 24 amazing kiddos whose imaginations are just as active as their bodies. First graders need tactile, hands-on, and engaging activities to spur on their growth. Our school has supportive parents, but state budget cuts to education have meant cutting back on even essential items. Despite these budget constraints, the goal of our school is to reach every student every day, no matter what it takes. We will do whatever we can to meet each individual need [sic].
The students are not the central theme of this paragraph.  We know that state budget cuts have meant cutting back on essential items.  That has nothing to do with who the students are.  One can easily argue that new storage cubes are not an essential item.  I would rewrite this as:

I have 24 amazing kiddos whose imaginations are just as active as their bodies.  As first graders, my students need tactile, hands-on, and engaging activities to spur on their growth.   Our school and our parent support system serve students living in a medium economic area in suburban Oklahoma and we will do whatever we can to meet each individual educational needs of these bright students, but we need your help!

My Project
Keeping a group of 24 first graders organized along with their supplies is necessary to succeed! 
Assertion: Lots of kids + lots of supplies = organization system IS a necessity.
Organization is key to quick and easy transitions in a classroom!
Citation: This is a point that can be argued and supported by external resources.
My students will store their computer/iPad headphones, supply boxes and library/computer tags in their box.
Example: Here's how we will use this resource.
The students' technology supplies are currently stored in a milk crates [sic]. They have to take out headphones one at a time until they find theirs when it is technology time.
Need to proof-read.  I would move this to the top of the paragraph to establish the problem I need to solve.
 It will be nice to have a space that is easily accessible by the students when they need to get their supplies ready quickly. These cubbie organizers will help keep things organized so my students can spend more time learning and less time getting their supplies ready.
Explanation:  I would move this to between Citation and Example.  I would change, "It will be nice," to "my active students need."

I think the teacher does a good job of explaining why the storage space is a necessity in the classroom.  I think that making sure that the focus stays on her students rather than complaining about budget cuts will help the teacher keep her audience's interest so they read through her project proposal.  


Review #2 
Listen Up!
Attention-grabbing, but doesn't give a good indication of what the project is.

Help me give my students engaging and exciting books for our listening center.
Directs the audience, articulates who the audience is helping, what is needed.  Could explain why it is needed by changing, "for our listening center," to, "to expand our limited listening center."
My Students
My students are eight and nine years old, living in a medium economic class city in Oklahoma. I have 20 amazing students whose imaginations are just as active as their bodies. Our school has supportive parents, but state budget cuts to education have meant cutting back on even essential items. Despite these budget constraints, the goal of our school is to reach every student every day, no matter what it takes. We will do whatever we can to meet each individual need.
Ugh. Apparently this is the required "My Students" entry for Heritage Trails.  If I had to read this repeatedly while trying to find a class to donate to, I would end up putting HT on the bottom of my list.  

My Project
My students love listening to stories! One of our most coveted activities is getting to do the listening center.
Great way to re-orient the audience to make an emotional connection with the students.  I would move this up to the My Students section.
Currently, our book selection is mainly second-grade level books. I want to get books that our higher level to reach all of my students.
Great way to frame the problem and identify how "each individual need" is not currently being met.
There are many benefits for students listening to books on CDs and following along with the book!
Assertion: It also explains what the listening center is without making the audience feel like they're being spoken down to.
The listening center models fluent reading, helps students read unfamiliar words, introduces new vocabulary, teaches listening skills, and allows them to interact with a book that might be above their reading level.
Citation: not only makes a point that can be supported by external sources but also shows the opportunity that can't be utilized with their current materials: interacting with books above their reading level.
I want to give my students an updated listening center experience and make them excited to listen to stories!
Explanation:  This is a positive way to spin "my kids are bored with our limited materials." I would change, "I want," to, " My students need."


This teacher did an excellent job of redirecting her audience from that ridiculous My Students section to creating an informative and engaging paragraph in the My Project section while being concise.  The teacher was able to expand on what a listening center is, what they currently have, and what they need in the same amount of space as the other teachers.  

Review #3
Sensational Sight Words
Attention-grabbing and gives the audience an idea of what the project is
Help me give my students sight word activities for our sight word center.
Directs the audience, articulates who the audience is helping, what is needed.

My Students
My kindergarten students are a very fun group. I have a class of 20 students who are eager to learn and explore the world. They love math and learning to read. They are very energetic and open to new learning ventures. My students are always given the opportunity to be in charge of their own learning. We are growing leaders. My students are from all different socioeconomic levels and backgrounds. They love coming to class to see what exciting things they will be learning.
This is an amazing My Students section.  I love how she incorporates parts of her teaching philosophy to keep the section focused on her students and to motivate the audience to get involved.  She needs to write this section for all the other HT teachers.  

My Project
My students need some updated activities in their Sight Word Center.
According to the list below, "some" is understating the need.  It makes it seem like if she gets one or two of the items listed, they'll be good to go.  I like how it is THEIR  Sight Word Center, not the classroom's center or the teacher's center.  Giving the students ownership of the space is attractive to the audience and affirms her assertion that the kids are in charge of their own learning.
 I want to provide them with several new activities to practice learning new words.
I would put these two sentences together. "My students need several new activities to practice learning new words in their Sight Words Center." And make this the "Help me blurb below the project title.
 We practice these words daily and in a variety of ways.
Assertion and a nice way to show that although she has activities that more activities really are needed so students don't get bored out of their minds.
Sight words are a major academic concept that needs to be mastered this year in Kindergarten.
Citation: point can be argued and supported by external resources.  "This year in Kindergarten" seems redundant, but it works here.  It articulates that these particular students that she has RIGHT NOW THIS YEAR need this, which gives a sense of urgency.  It also articulates that Kindergarten needs lots of sight word resources to create a strong base for the rest of the grades to build on. 
They need a Sight Word Instant Learning Center Set, Sight Words Activity Chest, Fishing for Sight Words Set, Leveled Sight Word Practice Cards, Snap & Build Sight-Words Set, and Double Sided Magnetic Letter Tiles.
Explanation: Although these are all listed in the materials list, listing them in the My Project section accentuates how much she needs to get the job done.  She uses "They need," keeping the students as the center of the application.
These activities will provide new engaging activities for them to learn and grow their sight word vocabulary with.
Tieing the explanation back into the assertion.  


This teacher's application is my favorite and the one that I will use to create my 5 important things list.  She does an excellent job of keeping her students the center of her application, giving the audience a sense of urgency, and clearly stating the needs of the class.

On the first donor project they asked for 2 chapter books that will be done virtually for a 30 day reading lesson. I thought that the request for the books were good as they would be having a physical copy of the book. She had also mentioned that by having the text they would be preparing for third grade as they would be developing skills while away from school. I didn't see the point for the teacher adding that her students wanted to learn about inventing when she did not mention what the books she wanted were about. Are they reading about inventing?

The second donor project asked for backpacks for her classroom. Those backpacks would be filled with necessary materials such as clothes and medicine. I thought that it was great that the teacher brought up how much the school cares for the students and that they make school the one place that is constant and reliable. What I did not like to see was that it said that some students have parents who do not care about their education. Or that they have signed agendas or have been reading for 20 minutes per day. I don’t think that many of those parents really don’t care. Some families are honestly struggling with problems and are afraid to speak up. It felt wrong to just say they did not care. 

The third donor project had asked for art supplies that would be given to families who do not have the materials at home. Those families are also being affected by the crisis going on at the moment. I liked that the teacher mentioned that she wanted hands on work to happen which goes back to the power of play on how they don’t need worksheets but play. I would have liked to see what kind of supplies she would like to invest on and how she would get it sent out to the families. 

For the Ukulele proposal, I think that Ms. Kutch provided great background information on her students and the reason for which her students could benefit from learning the ukulele. I think that it is an interesting proposal because it is not a commonly taught instrument in public schools, but I am excited to see if it comes into fruition. The ukulele is not a difficult instrument to learn and I support the arts in schools, so I can see this working well. She did not provide an extremely detailed plan as to how students would use the instruments or how they would be repaired, I would have liked to know about that.

Ms. V's project about flexible seating intrigued me because I believe that flexible seating can have a profound impact on student learning. She provided a very good description of her classroom and school community and I think that it is so important to remember that not all students can afford basic necessities. This program would allow students to better learn in the classroom, free of distractions or hardships that they might be going through in the outside world. Ms. V provided great reasoning for why her classroom would benefit and even brought in the level at which the students are developmentally, which means they can further benefit from using their bodies to understand the world around them.

The third proposal by Coach Van touched me because his students do not even have basic PE supplies such as hula-hoops and jump ropes. I believe that students can greatly benefit from physical exercise and it helps brain development. Although this coach meant well, his explanation for the benefits of the equipment for his students when describing the jump ropes was odd. He said that they will be able to use this skill throughout their lives, and I know that it is important to know how to use one's body, but how often do adults jump rope? Although, his description for the hula-hoops showed that he has an active imagination in implementing multiple ways for the equipment to be used. It worries me that this equipment will be used for 9 grade levels, the wear and tear on it will be atrocious. 

For the first donorschoose project I love that she talks about the responsibility that having a class pet would give the students. When i first read the title i was skeptical as to why it is a necessity for a class to have a pet when they may be in need of so many other things that are more crucial to their learning. I will say that I can see the benefit from having a class pet but i feel that this money is going more towards the bunny than to the students. I do think they make a nice pitch though, they keep the focus on how this would benefit the students and not on the bunny itself. I would say that the picture could be better. Maybe feature the bunny and the students caring for it. Also when talking about the responsibilities they will have to undertake how does that foster things that are being taught in the classroom? The second donorschoose i decided to pick was about raising funds for headphones in the classroom for her students in the second grade. Her opening statement includes that her students are high energy and from a low income area. I think that it is key to mention this. Now all students deserve to have funding. I from an outside perspective would like to see my money helping students that are truly in need. Now before I dove into the meat of the project I was skeptical as to why they would need headphones in the first place. What would they be used for. But in her explanation she got me. She pointed out that most of her students were ELL and that the addition of the headphones would propel their learning forward. She also addressed my second issue which was why does she need so much for her class, and why not get cheaper ones? She mentioned how that was her first solution and those broke and got lost and the wires were ripped apart. She does a very good job at selling her project. Lastly I picked a project in the music realm. It is about an orchestra teacher, she opens up the description by making you feel for the students and how they have been without a real music education for months now and it makes you feel bad for them and more sympathetic towards the cause only a few sentences in. She then decides how dedicated the students have been to stick out the class until now how they really want to learn. This makes the investor confident that the money they will by donating won’t go to waste and be something that students don’t want and don’t need. She then makes the pitch as to why better chairs are essential. If you have any background in music you can understand just how important good posture and chairs can be when performing and trying your best. It can make or break you. She conveys this well even going as far as to mention that it is for their safety which is a good ploy to use. Five tips for a good donorschoose

1. Always mention the schools financial situation and perhaps your students. 
2. State the problem and give reasons as to why it is a problem
3. Give evidence that you have tried multiple things and this is your last hope to succeed
4. Feature your students on the page
5. Make the reader feel the struggle that you feel

test

I went to Norman public schools for my entire educational career. I saw how even one of the best schools in Oklahoma operated and how it awful compared to the rest of the country. I chose three projects from the schools that I went to. The elementary school that I went to has 100% free/reduced lunches, low income, high behavioral issues, etc. The elementary school that I went to more than 10 years ago has not changed much, it is still probably the worst one in Norman. I was so emotional reading the teacher's request, I could not help by tear up. I felt so emotionally connected to the cause because I know how the parents in that neighborhood respond to education. I know that the families in the school's neighborhoods have poor relationships with schools, therefore leaving the students without. It is the same case with the high school that I went to, although it is funded much better.

All three of the donors choose pages are very convincing and emotionally charged. I know how much the teachers on these sites care for their students, I know how badly they want to aid their students to do the best for them. Overall, I do not have any negatives for the page. Some of the pages could have been more specific and possibly could discuss in greater detail what is needed, but the teachers have really important causes. Two of the teachers wanted money for art supplies - something that is seldom funded in the classroom. One of them wanted art therapy material for her elementary class, and the other was an actual art teacher... who needed art supplies. The most heartbreaking part to me was the math teacher at the old HS who needed calculators. How does that work? I do not understand how a math teacher is not being supplied with enough calculators to operate their class. That is a basic necessity.  

I wish that I had more money to donate to these teachers as I feel drawn by their causes, but unfortunately, I am tight on money due to the coronavirus. This experience was really eye-opening. It makes me nervous to teach in Oklahoma, however.