Past projects 2
Building Readers with New Novels
Funded Feb 17, 2013Usually at this time of the year my students are fighting any attempt to make them read. All that changed this year though, thanks to the books you helped purchase for my classroom.
This year students are asking me for five more minutes of reading time. They tell me each day what page they are on and what is happening in their story. Their smiles are animated and their tone of voice is excited. My heart melts with each and every recap.
The students I described above are melting my heart because they have not been my "readers" this year. They have been the students who had to go to the bathroom during reading time, who left their books in their locker, or who never turned a page in 15 minutes of silent reading time. These are now the students who have their books at the ready, pages turning quickly, and who wait until reading time is over to ask to leave the room. They are the ones who ask for more time to read and who were over the moon when I let them take the books home so they could continue reading.
I am eternally grateful for your kindness and generosity. You helped to turn my eighth graders into readers and for that they and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ironmonger
Paddling Our Way To Review
Funded Dec 27, 2012Since the white boards arrived, my students have asked each day if we are using them. If my answer is no, they immediately follow with a disgruntled "awwww". If my answer is yes, they cheer and start frantically raising their hands hoping to be the ones who help pass out the materials. One student said today, "I really like those [boards], I'm glad someone got them for us."
I couldn't have said it better myself. Mundane tasks like reviewing test questions or identifying parts of a poem are brought to life through the use of these white boards. Each and every student is engaged in the learning process when the boards are used. I know instantly which students have understood the material and who needs extra help. I feel empowered as a teacher, my students feel that their voices are being heard, and we all know that real learning is taking place.
When I initially shared with the students that this project had been funded, their mouths dropped open. They were in awe and, I believe, truly touched by your willingness to help them succeed. There are not enough words to express how grateful we all are that you believed in us. Your kindness and generosity mean the world. On behalf of all of my students and myself, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ironmonger