Past projects 2
40 Book Challenge
Funded Sep 17, 2021I began a journey this year with my group of diverse fifth grade students, a 40 Book Challenge. Let me say, they have blown me away! I began the year with two sentence starters for them; Reading is awesome when. . . and Reading is awful when. . . One of the things that jumped out right away was many found reading awful when they weren't given the freedom to choose a book they wanted. I saw this as a gateway to igniting a love of reading! Four students have already completed the challenge and keep going! Many more are over halfway there. One student who told me at the beginning of the year, "I don't read," has just finished their sixth book!
Reading in our class has such a different feel this year. Students cannot wait to get their hands on a book a peer has just finished. Engaging conversations are occurring around novels with comparisons of characters and my favorite, sharing in books that my students and I have both read! I am reading their books too and I love it! It takes our conversations to a whole new level. With all of these new books students are finding more and more books to read. Adding designated reading time to our day has given students the time they need, in school, to get hooked on a book.
In teaching our grade 5 standards in reading, it has become easier for students to grasp many of the skills because they are reading! In years past, I struggled just getting kids to read. Without the practice and stamina of reading it was increasingly difficult to practice the skills. This year, they are reading and that has made a huge difference in their abilities. They are feeling confident. They feel like readers. They feel in control of their learning because they are choosing books that interest them!
Adding books to my classroom library has been a game changer. Without your help I would not have been able to add so many high interest books to create a classroom of readers.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Paguyo
Graphic Novels to "hook" my reluctant readers!
Funded Nov 30, 2021I am so grateful for your generosity! Having this project funded is going to be such wonderful news to share with my fifth graders! When I say they eat these graphic novels up, I mean they really do! It’s wonderful to see those reluctant readers with their nose in a book! Thank you!!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Paguyo
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 12 other donors.