1st Donors Choose: “Aid Our Future Generation Through Literature and Resources”
This teacher requested donors to donate toward her plan to purchase the Time For Kids magazine subscription. I think the most effective part of this request was the part where she explained that her school does not have a formal social studies curriculum. Knowing that information about her school, it showed the donor that this magazine subscription would assist this teacher in creating her lessons since she is clearly not getting any support in curriculum writing from her district. Additionally, she explained specifically which parts of the magazine subscription would be helpful in her classroom, and how it would also help her incorporate other subjects such as math. I think when describing her students, she could have added more specific information about what the students are like and how this donation could affect them. She mentioned briefly that they “come from challenging circumstances, such as poverty,” so perhaps she could have elaborated on how this magazine could provide entertainment and knowledge that they may not otherwise have access to.
2nd Donors Choose: “Let’s Make History in Clay!”
This teacher’s project was to have the students create clay structures based on famous works from art history. She planned to spend the donated money on clay, glaze, and other art supplies. I think this project is a really good idea because it allows students to incorporate their artistic abilities and creativity while learning about art, historical figures and historical subjects. This teacher does a good job of giving examples of what the students could do specifically with the clay and how it would be incorporated with historical subjects. She also describes what her school and class is like so the donors know who exactly will be benefitting from their donation. I can’t really think of any critiques for this project as the teacher was pretty detailed and offered an well-thought description of how this project would enhance her student’s learning.
3rd Donors Choose: “Let Them Have Tables!” This donation request was for counter high tables and stools to allow the students in this teacher’s classrooms to discuss and collaborate more effectively. Compared to the other Donors Choose projects I saw, this one was the only one that wasn’t specifically tied to a lesson, curriculum, or project idea. For Social Studies classrooms specifically, discussion is important, so these tables and stools would probably be beneficial. She did give a few examples of what the table and stools could be used for, such as an escape room, group project, or speed dating. However, I think she could have elaborated more on the benefits of activities like these and having mobility within the classroom to collaborate and discuss.
2nd Donors Choose: “Let’s Make History in Clay!”
This teacher’s project was to have the students create clay structures based on famous works from art history. She planned to spend the donated money on clay, glaze, and other art supplies. I think this project is a really good idea because it allows students to incorporate their artistic abilities and creativity while learning about art, historical figures and historical subjects. This teacher does a good job of giving examples of what the students could do specifically with the clay and how it would be incorporated with historical subjects. She also describes what her school and class is like so the donors know who exactly will be benefitting from their donation. I can’t really think of any critiques for this project as the teacher was pretty detailed and offered an well-thought description of how this project would enhance her student’s learning.
3rd Donors Choose: “Let Them Have Tables!” This donation request was for counter high tables and stools to allow the students in this teacher’s classrooms to discuss and collaborate more effectively. Compared to the other Donors Choose projects I saw, this one was the only one that wasn’t specifically tied to a lesson, curriculum, or project idea. For Social Studies classrooms specifically, discussion is important, so these tables and stools would probably be beneficial. She did give a few examples of what the table and stools could be used for, such as an escape room, group project, or speed dating. However, I think she could have elaborated more on the benefits of activities like these and having mobility within the classroom to collaborate and discuss.