Past projects 3
Peltzer Books
Funded Dec 23, 2017I teach special education students at the middle school level. Many of the books that the curriculum assigns to this grade level are too difficult for my students to read. The only options I had, were to read books that have a lower lexile level. However, the books were not interesting to my students because they were intended for a younger audience. Peltzer books are favorites among my students. As a small group, we read A Child Called it. They thoroughly enjoyed reading, discussing and writing about what they read. They are learning how to use evidence from the text when they answer questions. Also, we use Close Reading strategies in class. The students are learning how to highlight important information and define unknown vocabulary. When I shared with them that the author wrote other books and that his brother also wrote a book, they wanted so much to read them. Thanks to you, I now have all of these books in my library. We couldn't be happier!”
With gratitude,
Ms. C.
Beginning of the School Year Essentials
Funded Sep 19, 2016Since the beginning of the school year, we have not had a shortage of any materials. When my students need pencils and pens, they know that they can ask me. For this reason, they are always prepared for their classes and this makes them feel good about themselves. In addition, when they enter their classes, they are ready to begin learning as soon as they enter.
I asked the students to create a "mood meter" poster. They created four quadrants: The quadrants were red, blue, yellow and green. Each quadrant represented their mood, and they learned to identify their feelings by monitoring which quadrant they are in. This was an easy task since we received markers, crayons and glue sticks as part of the donation you provided.
When I received the materials in September, I asked the students to help me open the boxes. I explained to them that someone very special, provided our classroom with the materials that we needed to begin the school year. Each student was humbled by your generosity and relieved when I told them that the materials were for them and that they could request to use them at any time. They are incredibly thankful.
Currently, we are reading a novel by Sharon Draper called, Forged by Fire. At the end of the story, the students will be asked to create a drawing of their favorite scene from the story. I predict the pictures will be vibrant and colorful since we have so many materials to work with.
Your generosity has moved my students and myself and we are so incredibly thankful. It is my hope, that my students will continue to be thankful and will also learn that giving back is an amazing feeling as well. I will definitely pay it forward. I plan to donate to nearby hospitals this Christmas.”
With gratitude,
Ms. C.
Necessities for Learning
Funded Dec 22, 2015The students and I are reading, Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper. I really like this book because it explains in detail, what it feels like to live with a disability. In doing so, it helps my students to realize how fortunate they are and also to appreciate all their gifts, that they may or may not, take for granted. Lastly, this book sheds light on how to approach and treat people with disabilities. They are so much like us, and should be treated as such.
When we opened our packages, the kids were in total disbelief! I explained to them that all the items were donated by one, very generous, donor. I slowly pulled out each item and listened to their gasps as I displayed each item. I polled the class, and asked them to vote on which item was their favorite. I was so pleased when they chose the book, A Child Called It!
After we finish reading, Out of my Mind, and they write an essay about one inspirational person in their life, we will begin reading, A Child Called it. I don't know who is more excited, me or them!”
With gratitude,
Ms. C.