#TeacherFriends I'm the founder here and a picture book author/illustrator. I speak at conferences and make school visits.... and I've recorded over 100 songs for kiddos!
P.S. At this moment hubby has taken me on another cruise. I am indeed blessed.
Hello! I am Katie from SC & teach kindergarten! I am a #DonorsChoose ambassador & excited about helping new & experienced teachers find the magic of DonorsChoose. #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends This year, I added a trampoline to my classroom. LOVE! Great spot to read, work, jump, get some energy out and start our day! We celebrate big and small with jumps. This is by far a favorite in #FarrsClassroom!
#TeacherFriends Q1: Get your creative juices flowing. What would be in your dream classroom? Have you used https://t.co/7O0fSW3vur before? If so what are some of your favorite resources that you have received? If not, what does your classroom need? Share pictures!
#teacherfriends I'm a Kinder teacher in NC. This is my first chat and I;m new to twitter. I want to learn tips to get projects funded and how to best network on twitter
#teacherfriends this year I added fine motor work tubs every morning and my kids have loved them! They make my mornings easy and no more kids saying "What do I do? I'm done!"
#TeacherFriends, my dream classroom would have more technology, unlimited supply of construction paper, pencils and expo markers. Don't forget the hand sanitizer and tissues!! #Germs!
#TeacherFriends I have been using #DonorsChoose since 2012 & have had almost 50 projects funded. I have stopped spending so much money in my classroom and have begun to plan in for advance the items that I need...then let others help!
Yes!! I started Morning Tubs this year, too! #GameChanger Plus building those hand muscles are so important! Thankful for #DonorsChoose that has funded all of my fine motor skill resources. #TeacherFriends
A1: I've used Donors Choose once to get some flexible seating in my room. We got 6 stability ball chairs, and my students every year have been obsessed with them! #teacherfriends
That's a great idea - I've struggled all year trying to come up with all the resources. I should have thought of writing a Donor's Choose grant sooner! I've practically lived at Dollar Tree #teacherfriends
So glad you are here! I hope you find lots of tips and info. Please feel free to reach out after if you have more questions or need help with that 1st project! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends...how many of you have a limit on construction paper? #DonorsChoose is the answer!! When planning a project, don't forget the art supplies that you need!
I'm new to twitter so I never realized how easy it was to connect with so many different teachers. I've only been active for about 2 weeks and I've learned so much already #TeacherFriends
#TeacherFriends, have you ever wanted a classroom garden but didn't have the funds? This was another one of my favorite projects and check out those sunflowers!
#TeacherFriends A1 My wife and I purchased @surface tablets 2 years ago. CHANGED 4EVER the way I teach. Handing the Ss the tablet to work from their desk to teach is AMAZING! I dream that ALL my Ss would have @surface tablets and learn in a true digital environment.
#TeacherFriends Check out this graphic on success rate at different project costs. Best chance of success is keep your project cost low. Break the project into multiple parts if possible.
A2: #TeacherFriends if you are excited about what you are asking for in your grant, I find that people and companies are more likely to donate to your project. They also like innovative ideas!
Yes!! Great idea! You could write a #DonorsChoose project requesting these items. Amazon is a great resource or if you have enough points you can always write a special request. #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Are you ready to write your 1st #DonorsChoose project and need some help? Send me a DM and I can help. PLUS, I can offer you a gift card for your very first project! Woot Woot!
#TeacherFriends A2: Being excited about what your students can gain from being funded is so important! My Ss should have access to the latest, greatest just as anyone in the country.
Yes! I always like to say imagine you are at coffee shop and just talking about the passion behind your project. Show your donors through your words! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends A2: Our local community really steps up when we have a project request. I have had four projects funded. We use our iPad minis every day to work on reading, Seesaw, etc.
#teacherfriends A1 My favorite has been the Fairy Tales STEAM kit from lakeshore. You get puppets for stories like the three little pigs. My students retold the story by acting it out. We even invited support staff to come watch! So much fun and learning at the same time.
#TeacherFriends Tip: Create a catchy title for your #DonorsChoose project. Make sure it portrays the theme of your project so donors have an idea of what it will be about and want to read more!
#teacherfriends A2 My classroom dream right now is an Apple TV. Its so hard in K to explain how to use apps with a doc cam. And there's not easy way for kids to share work done on an ipad...thats my next project idea!!
#TeacherFriends Tip: Be very specific in WHAT you need, WHY you need it and HOW it will impact your classroom. This is one thing that can send your #DonorsChoose project back to drafts and have you edit necessary parts.
#TeacherFriends Q3: Did you know that you can now write a project for Professional Development? What conferences have you always wanted to attend but never had the funds? Think small and big!
#TeacherFriends A2: think about what will have the most impact for your students. Rockin' Kinder Seating helped us to get Neorok stools. We will have enough points to get Wobble Seats the next time. More successfully completed projects allows access to vendors of your choosing.
#teacherfriends My favorite projects have been 3 projects with the Gates match to get flexible seating for my class. So much collaboration and participation going on!
A1: This year my favorite resource so far to receive through @DonorsChoose has been our new whiteboard tables. We now have 3 and my 4th should be coming soon! It is so perfect for math! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends you can now write a PD #DonorsChoose project requesting instructional resources & experiences that can teach you new skills to apply in your classroom! This is an AWESOME new addition to DonorsChoose!
"Oh you like apples...do you support education?" Okay maybe not exactly like that but you can network at the grocery store and buy your food for the week too! #winwin#teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Attending conferences is a very popular PD request. Did you know that you can also ask for help with lodging, transportation and food costs?
#TeacherFriends Ideas for a PD project: speaker for faculty mtg, attending a conference, instructional books, funding National Boards Certification, cost of classes etc! Great opportunity!!
A2: Write the best essay. Keep it 300-500. Say thank you every time in a personal manner. Write to a match EVERY time if you can. Connect with Giving pages. (@P2LTW ) Share. Promote. Donate at least $1 to your own. Ask questions of teachers who have used it. #teacherfriends
#teacherfriends don't be afraid to be honest and vulnerable. Show that you're really doing it for the well being of the children. That alone speaks volumes.
#TeacherFriends Some conferences that I hope to attend are: ITeachK, ISTE, Get Your Teach On and Ron Clark Academy. I am hoping when my boys get a little older, I can start working on these goals!
I understand that feeling! I am careful on my facebook posting so not to spam but it is a great resource! I have had old friends donate that I would never have had asked. A couple are faithful supporters now! #teacherfriends
I was really worried that once I finished writing my #DonorsChoose project that it wouldn't be funded, I shared on FB and it was funded quickly #teacherfriends
tip #2) not that i have a lot of money, but i donate to every project @KatieFarr5 has, so pay attention to her! just a fact of life, i would like to donate to your project but i would like to know what you want to achieve, how i can help
#TeacherFriends Q4: What are some ways that you can find potential donors? How do you thank your donors & keep them coming back to support your classroom? What is a creative way that you want to try to find a new donor this school year?
#TeacherFriends Finding donors is one of the biggest questions that I am always asked. The answer is be patient..you have FOUR months to fund a project. Give yourself time!
I've started recently on Twitter and have found a whole new group of teacher and outside supporters. I also suggest joining Reach Our for Schools. They funded one of my project last week. #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Tip: Turn on your auto facebook notifications in your profile settings. Getting the word out is the best thing that you can do. You never know if a friend of a friend may be interested in your project!
#TeacherFriends Q4: I believe that networking is one of the greatest resources that we have. I post on FaceBook and Twitter. I share and retweet for others. I search people who are interested in children and education. Donors need to KNOW they are appreciated - thanks and pics!
#TeacherFriends Add your DonorsChoose teacher page url to your e-mail signature, social media accounts etc! Spreading the word is so important! https://t.co/Qwk0IWQi18
#TeacherFriends Old blog post but LOTS of great tips! https://t.co/ITkIZbOLzS Updated post will be released this week on my new DonorsChoose series posts. Make sure you are following!
#TeacherFriends Twitter is a great place to make connections and network with potential donors. BUT don't spam donors by just asking for donations & especially not to someone you have never connected with. Making connections and having faithful donors takes time and effort!
#TeacherFriends Sending meaningful thank you cards means a lot to a donor. Take time, make them COLORFUL and unique!! Donors LOVE receiving their package from your students so make it represent your classroom! This is a great way to create a new connection!
#TeacherFriends Don't forget to add a thank you card from YOU to the donor! Other ideas: create a hashtag for your classroom and ask donors to follow your classroom! Mine is #FarrsClassroom...check it out!
#TeacherFriends Q5: What is something that you are excited and ready to start writing a DonorsChoose project for? What are your concluding tips for any newbies -- for finding success on DonorosChoose.
#TeacherFriends Q3: I have always wanted to attend ISTE @iste - International Society for Technology in Education. I would love to see all the new and exciting technologies that are available.
#TeacherFriends I am excited to start writing #DonorsChoose projects for things I need in the Spring! Ideas: class t-shirts, traveling animal exhibit and books for every child for a summer gift
#TeacherFriends Q2: Success in writing @DonorsChoose projects is to keep the cost small (even if you have to break into numerous parts and write in such a way that potential donors can "see" your room and how you will use the resources.
#TeacherFriends Remember if you want help writing your 1st project send me a message and we can set up a date! Once you write your 1st project, you will be addicted in no time. Don't forget I have a special gift card for you if I help you with your 1st project. Reach out!
#TeacherFriends Q1: I'm a 25 year veteran - 1st year in K - The BEST project I've written was a match offer for family engagement. I have around $800 literacy resources from Lakeshore AND had parents in for a night of "play" with their kids! SO much fun!
KindergartenRocks is a great page to follow! Just recently reached a milestone of raising $500,000 on her Giving Page! WOWZERS! Lots of tips and advice for #DonorsChoose. Plus she is pretty awesome, too! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Time for Show and Tell! Please share your stores, shops, products, blogs, social networks and speaking engagements. Toot your own horn!
#TeacherFriends Q5: I am looking at writing a book project. I don't have many kindergarten leveled books since this is my 1st year in K. I'd love to have some to send home for kids to read ON THEIR LEVEL with their parents nightly.
Q5 slowly transforming my classroom from decades old furniture to new furniture! I have #flexibleseating options but want to replace desks! #teacherfriends
#TeacherFriends Final Thought: Dream BIG, start small and spread the word and you will soon start saving money on your classroom and making global connections! #DonorsChoose is the best resource for public school teachers!
