Past projects 4
ABC Sounds to See: Making Sounds Visible
Funded Oct 21, 2013Students were excited about getting their own dry erase board, marker, and eraser to use during library time. I saw lots of smiles and involvement in active listening.
The students are using these supplies to help them focus and think about the sounds and to connect with words they already know that begin with the letter we are highlighting. I ask them to write the letter and to draw things in their schema that begin with that particular sound. I ask students to think about "text-to-self connections" which helps them to remember the new sounds. They share the personal connection they have with that letter by drawing a picture of something they know of that begins with that sound. The lapboards will allow them all to share simultaneously which will keep a large group of students involved in the lesson.
This project has boosted learning in the library by allowing all students to feel "heard" as they turn the lap board around so I can see what they drew that begins with the sound. I have noticed less interruption from student to student since everyone is more focused on the lesson. I am seeing that the hands-on approach to connecting with their schema is making an impact on their learning.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sloan
Making Thinking Visible through Storytelling
Funded Dec 11, 2012Thank you for your generous gift which enabled my school to have a professional storyteller perform for each grade level. The children were fascinated and attentitive for the entire 45 minute presentation for each grade level.
Our goal was to help students practice the art of making mental images and visualizing while learning. We feel our goal was achieved and the children loved every minute of it. Elizabeth Ellis chose stories and songs which were grade level appropriate making this a wonderful experience.
Thank you for your donation to the wonderful event.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sloan
Read, Rock, And Score With Beginning Readers
Funded May 3, 2011There is nothing as exciting to young students at our school than coming to the library and seeing all of the new books. This set of books shared a common theme: pets. Making connections to our favorite family pets has made a lasting connection with our students.
We thank you much for your contribution which made this gift possible. Imagine us reading our new books with joy!
If our kids could speak with you, they would say, "Gracias, thank you, and we love you all!"
.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sloan
Getting to Know Famous Americans
Funded Nov 10, 2010Thank you for your generous donation to support research about famous Americans. This project is a part of the state curriculum for second grade. These books are some of the few available about famous Americans written on a reading level that a second grader could understand. We are so grateful to you for making it possible for us to have these resources.
Comments from our second graders such as, "these books are the perfect size for our hands," "the big print is easy to read," and "we are thankful for people that care about us," were heard after I explained how these materials became available to us.
After students read one of the books, they take the book to another student and say, "I'd like to introduce you to (insert name of famous American such as Ronald Reagan or Thurgood Marshall), and then they tell their classmate some things about the person that they read about in the book. Students will continue with the reading project as a prequel to selecting the person for the research they will do; therefore, all of them will read every book. They will use the books as sources from which to gather information needed to write their research paper.
My gratitude for your generosity is expressed from the bottom of my heart! ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Sloan
This classroom project was brought to life by Townsend Press and 3 other donors.