Learning to Answer Questions With S-W-A-G-G-E-R!

Funded Dec 2, 2014

As soon as the supplies arrived, we integrated them into our curriculum: using stress balls to keep our hands preoccupied to help focus, colored pens to cross out answers and mark the text, highlighters to...well, highlight. The mints saved us on the hardest days to focus, available at any time, and the bookmarks became mandatory for everyone, every time a book was picked up. My students were beyond thrilled to use the swagger supplies and truly aghast upon being given their "Swagger Toolkits" to keep for studying at home. ("We get to KEEP these resources?! When do we bring it back?")

Initially, I was worried about supplies and game props going missing as my students are not used to being trusted with so many supplemental and fun "toys" right in front of them. I was pleasantly surprised to see them treat the items with respect and take our Swagger unit seriously. My students are not used to such special treatment. They were proud to be trusted with the items and took complete ownership of making every tool stay in perfect condition.

We danced and laughed everyday. We found more motivating songs. We compiled a list of concrete strategies in the form of a checklist. We created games. We got outside and screamed and ran as fast as we could. We truly bonded as a class, created a community, and learned effective reading and test strategies because of you.

The best part is that the students have mastered 100 new reading vocabulary terms and know how to use strategies to work through any text, no matter how difficult. Thank you for ensuring my students know they are worthy, loved, and capable.

You made our year.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Crosby