Past projects 3
Compelling Memoirs for Philadelphia Students
Funded Aug 5, 2023Thank you so much for your generous contribution to my project. Teaching compelling books is such a joy - I love seeing my students engaged in what we're reading. As you know, public school districts often don't have the resources to provide the best resources for our students and so we have to rely on the generosity of people like you - thank you for stepping in to help put a bandaid on this systemic issue. I am always grateful for your support!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zieve
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 17 other donors.Exploring Masculinity and Justice in Literature
Funded Aug 18, 2017Thank you so much for your contributions to this project. Students were able to deeply engage in discussions of what race and masculinity look like in the United States, using Coates' text as a mentor. We were able to discuss how he uses symbolism in his social commentary, and compare his experiences to my students own.
Following our reading, students wrote their own memoir using some of the techniques Coates used in his test. Students' memoirs were compelling, personal and thoughtful.
Thank you so much for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zieve
Exploring Masculinity and Justice in Literature
Funded Jul 18, 2017Thank you so much for your generosity in bringing these books to my classroom. Having copies of "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates has been invaluable in my 11th grade literature classroom. Many students struggle with the books they read in English because they don't identify with the authors or the characters' experiences. This book is different, as Coates reflects on conditions and experiences they have in their day to day lives. This has raised the overall engagement in class and raised the reading rate.
Each day students participate in a discussion about significant literary elements and moments from their previous night's reading. I provide a basic framework, but students are able to bring in their own ideas and whatever stood out to them. In this way they are really able to make meaning of the texts for themselves. We examine both the big themes and ideas that the author addresses as well as the literary elements he uses to build to those themes.
When we finish reading "Between the World and Me" students will write their own memoir in Coates' style. They will be able to build on the techniques Coates uses that we analyze together in class, and shape it to make it their own. This will also help prepare them for writing college entrance essays.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Zieve