After using Victoria’s approach to homework, the students in her class had the following comments to say about the program and how it made them feel when they were confronted with a homework challenge:
I felt independent.
- G. Nichols
I felt like I could do anything!
-M. Epstein
I felt responsible.
- E. Ringman
I was glad you pushed me to try, because I would never have known I could do it if you hadn’t.
-N. Schulman
I felt successful when I finally got it!
-B. Rhoades
I felt grown up.
- K. Bennett
At first I was angry with you because you wouldn’t give me the answer, but after I figured out the problem on my own, I was glad you didn’t help me.
-Z. Cole
At first I was frustrated and I never thought I could figure it out. I remembered some of the tricks for figuring out a problem and then I could do it. I don’t think I will get as frustrated next time.
- B. Friedman
The following was written by Peneolpe Koulos, age 9. Her assignment was to share her memories of third grade. While other students wrote about painting on their feet and creating salt and flour maps, Penelope penned the following paragraph: "For me, third grade has been all about growing up. I learned a lot about myself and who I am. With all the assignments, tests, and projects, I know why time management and “Proper Prior Planning” is so important. I’ll never forget Ms. O reminding us to write our homework down in our agendas and to highlight it off, which helped keep us organized. I especially enjoyed our endangered animal reports. This project taught me how to research facts and how to take the information and put it into a speech. I learned to plan backwards, so I didn’t get frustrated. I’m leaving third grade with a lot of confidence in myself. I’ll always remember Ms. O’s words, “You never know what can happen until you try.” Because of her, I am more willing to take chances and learn from my mistakes. Third grade is all about discovering that you are special– you may be good at some things and may not be good at everything, and that is okay. We did so much, but what I will remember most is Ms. O’s laugh, the smiles on our faces and the techniques I learned that will help me through my school years."
- Penelope Koulos, Third Grade
Former Students of Ms. Olivadoti often comment on the value of their third grade experience:
The children in middle school who use the backwards planning approach to project planning that we learned in third grade have an easier time. It's been the most valuable skill that I learned from Ms. Olivadoti.
-Melodi Hernandez (Class of 2000)
Learning to speak to my teachers to let them know what I don't know was the best skill I learned in third grade. I know that it is one of the many skills I learned from Ms. O. that has allowed me to graduate from high school and college with honors.
C. Lee (Class of 1995)
Proper Prior Planning to Prevent Poor Performance is something that I use everyday and so does my mom. Thank you for teaching me this strategy.
K. Bennett (Class of 1996)
