And the winner is...

our classroom!!!

  

I am happy to report that our classroom won The Classroom Project contest which was sponsored by USC Rossier Online. Not only did we win, but we won the 'grand prize' which was a $500 gift certificate to Staples. I was so excited to make our first purchase of binders, dividers, and a color printer. These items will be used to support a new curriculum that we are piloting for the rest of this year. (I will be writing a separate post about the curriculum soon.)


In the same week, I was fortunate to receive another gift for the classroom. Thanks to Big Grips iPad cases, several original iPads throughout the district are now a little more protected. Big Grips donated 8 cases and frames for the original iPads that are being used within several of the special education classrooms throughout the district. Thank you Big Grips for supporting education ~ wonderful students and school everywhere!!

Thank you USC Rossier Online and Big Grips for making a difference in our classroom!!

The Classroom Project

USC’s Masters of Arts in Teaching Campaign

I was made aware of this contest. I am very excited to submit this entry into The Classroom Project. Thank you to UCS Rossier Online for the opportunity to enter my wonderful students into this  contest!

The funds being offered through The Classroom Project would provide me with the needed funds to create accessible learning materials for my special education classroom. Each school year, I start with a different mix of students. Some students have backgrounds full of experiences and sometimes there school experience begins with me. Each year, I try my hardest to make his or her school experience meaningful for each student. Often this means adapting and modifying toys, books, and a host of other school materials to help accommodate the unique needs of the students. These modifications require supplies that I often purchase out of my own pocket because many times the items don't fit into an expense category within the school budget. In addition to these supplies, we also participate in various cooking activities throughout the year. The cooking supplies and materials are also out-of-pocket, but the experiences of these cooking activities are priceless.

My classroom is deserving of these funds because they are an amazing group of students who give 110% in everything they do. The students enjoy exploring and learning and any time I can support this, I do. As an educator, I have realized that the best ideas are to be shared. This was one of the reasons I started the classroom blog a couple year ago. If we were lucky enough to be awarded funds from The Classroom Project, I would be to sure to share about our purchases, creations, and learning with the world.

Thank you for this opportunity!

Feel free to explore the blog as it is a small glimpse into our wonderful classroom. Here are just a few pictures that show our unique, colorful, exciting classroom projects!

Learning to work together and help our friends

Introduction to watercolors and they fell in LOVE!

Practicing a little stringing beads

Showing off our cat masks we made as a part of the Global Read Aloud author study of Eric Carle

One of our many cooking activities - making applesauce for Johnny Appleseed's birthday

Merry Christmas! ~updated~

I hope everyone had a great time with family and friends this holiday season!

I may have a Christmas gift for you. If you are interested in either of these apps, leave a comment on this post, tell me which app you'd like, and I will pick a "winner" by tomorrow night TUESDAY, December 27th at 10:00 EST. I will post winning names in the comments section or email you if I have your contact information after 10:00 EST. (Winners will be chosen from blog comments and email replies.) Good Luck!

Both apps are by Artgig Apps. If you are on facebook, stop by their page, become a fan, and say "Thanks" for allowing me to be a "Secret Santa" this Christmas!

Being Benny - Join Benny on an adventure into an imaginary world! Benny escapes the doldrums of a rainy day by imagining himself as a variety of different things: From rocket ships to dinosaurs, nothing is off-limits! Brightly colored, playful illustrations guide you through Benny’s adventure.

Shake-a-Phrase - a fun language app that teaches vocabulary and parts of speech for ages 8+. Perfect for learning and laughing in the classroom or on-the-go, this lightweight app features over 2,000 words and definitions in 5 colorful and engaging themes.

Good Luck!

~ Melanie

** I decided to give an extra day to enter due to the holiday today and some people not having access to the internet. ** I hope you understand! Please share with others. **