Past projects 4
Read And Succeed!
Funded Apr 19, 2017My students have used the new kidney table every day since its arrival. We sit in groups and pairs, reading stories and working together on shared projects or activities. The students went CRAZY when they saw the new table. We had a class vote on whether we should use the yellow side or the red side (you have the option to choose either) and the red side won! Our school colors are red and black, so I think that's why the red had the advantage. :)
The high interest reading comprehension books have helped me so much with meeting kids where they are in terms of their reading ability. Because the books have stories and activities that teenagers are interested in, they are motivated to work and interested in the material. Thanks so much!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Carson
This classroom project was brought to life by Aspect Ventures and 2 other donors.Help Support our International and ESL Students
Funded Jan 20, 2017The new resources are absolutely changing the way my students learn! My ESOL classes love using the BrainPop! activity online, because they say "it's fun to learn and play games at the same time!" Also, they say it's helpful when learning English because there is less pressure put on them when it's individualized for where they are. They love the music and sounds it makes, and how it celebrates them when they get answers correct!
The new books about famous people are a big hit! I have one student in particular who LOVES music and playing guitar so, obviously, went straight for the Beatles book! He comes in every day and grabs that book before anyone else does. It's great to see how a book, written in his native language, can make him so happy and excited to read! I have another student who is very into computers and technology, and wants to be an innovator one day. He read the Steve Jobs book in three days! He says, "Mrs. Carson, he is my idol and I learned a lot about him from that new book!" What more can a teacher hope for?
Finally, the teacher materials allow myself, along with the ESOL teacher, to work with students one-on-one on reading passages and visual activities for vocabulary lessons. Our non-native speakers are really benefiting from the new resources in ways that is difficult to fully describe. Without this project I'm afraid they would feel like outsiders since we lacked Spanish-language materials --- but now he have plenty! Thank you donors for seeing and understanding that ALL students - regardless or where they came from - deserve materials that helps them grow!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Carson
Learning Lounge
Funded Mar 9, 2016Students are really enjoying the Reading Corner we've set up in our classroom. Each day kids walk in and that is the first place they look to go. When kids walked in and saw the bean bag, lamps, and futon, they were overjoyed! They are able to sit with their friends and talk, or sit with a peer tutor and learn while being comfortable and at ease because of the seating and softer lighting.
Whenever they feel stressed out during the day and need a break -- they look for the reading corner to find a minute of peace and quiet. Many students here at Mason feel stressed out because of sports, difficult classes, challenging home situations, etc., and having this small area to comfort them - whatever the reason - has been wonderful. One day last week a student learned he was a few point away from passing an end-of-year exam. For several days he came in a studied the material in the Reading Corner, and was able to really concentrate because he had a comfortable environment in which to work.
Thank you again for making this class more comfortable for our students.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Carson
Help Us Catch Some Fire!
Funded Jun 12, 2012Dear Adam, Junk my Car Team, Roben, Elise and Irwin, Barbara Hallock, Lenae, Courtney, Ms. Barrios, An inspiration, Whitney Robinson, and reddit,
My students could not wait to open the boxes of books when they arrived at my door. They knew that they would finally be able to read a brand new book; for some students, this will be the very first time in their lives. Because I teach mainly children with special needs, these resources are an invaluable commodity to myself and my classroom library. They will be able to experience the thrill and action of the HG series just like students in the regular education classes.
They cannot put them down, and I am so thrilled to see them excited about reading. Thanks again for supporting literacy in the public schools.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Carson