Past projects 4
Graphic Novels for Independent Reading
Funded Aug 23, 2023Thank you for your generous donations! I am happy to report that the 5th grade students at the Harvard-Kent are thoroughly enjoying the new graphic novels in our classroom library. Even our most reluctant readers are engaging in independent reading when they have high-interest graphic novels to choose from.
Reading these graphic novels has inspired students to read other genres about similar topics. The graphic novels have proven to be a great entry point into new literature. As a teacher, I am delighted to see the excitement that students have when they complete a new book and recommend it to their peers.
We appreciate your generosity and recognize the role that you are playing in creating life-long readers.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maura McDonough
Scholastic News for 5th Grade Change Makers
Funded Aug 19, 2023Thank you for your generous donations! I am happy to report that the 5th grade students at the Harvard-Kent School are enjoying Scholastic News. They have engaged in discussions and debates about many of the important current events impacting the world. By reading articles in Scholastic News, our students are becoming more informed global citizens.
When the September 18th issue of Scholastic News arrived, students read about how climate change is impacting life around the world. After reading about the negative impact climate change is having on various communities, students identified actions that they can take to reduce their carbon footprint. They are constantly asking themselves, "How can I be a leader for positive change?" The students look forward to becoming more knowledgeable and inspired citizens that they will be able to become the citizens and leaders that this world needs.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maura McDonough
Books that Reflect our Beautiful Diversity
Funded Aug 14, 2019Thank you for your generous donations! Since the new books have arrived in our classroom, students have enjoyed the new texts. A few of the books have been so popular that we had to have a raffle to see who could read the books first. Many of the students have commented on how much they have enjoyed reading the new books. They have even asked, "Do you have any more books like this?" and "Do you have any other books by this author?" A few students have noted that the new books that they really want to read are above their current reading level. They have said that they want to work really hard so that they can higher level books like Dragon Pearl and Brown Girl Dreaming.
Our class has also had serious discussions about representation in children's literature. The students recognize that it can be hard to find books with characters that look like them and come from similar cultural backgrounds. A few students have pledged that they want to become authors so that they can write books with more diverse characters. This is the beauty of having diverse books in the classroom. Not only are students reading and working on their literacy skills, they are also inspired to become authors that will touch the lives of children like them. Thank you again for making reading exciting in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maura McDonough
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 6 other donors.Magnetic Whiteboard for 3rd Grade Classroom
Funded Aug 8, 2015"Wow! The new whiteboard is here and it is so beautiful!" one of my third graders exclaimed as he threw his arms into the arm. Needless to say, we are all absolutely thrilled with our new magnetic whiteboard. Our classroom is a much better place to learn because of your generous donation. We use the magnetic whiteboard to help us with almost every lesson everyday.
My class includes students who are English language learners as well as students with disabilities. The new magnetic whiteboard is a wonderful tool that helps all learners. It has allowed me to enhance lessons by putting up visuals such as written examples, anchor charts, and pictures. Students love to show their thinking on the whiteboard. They also enjoy seeing their work projected on the board.
The best part about our new whiteboard is that we will continue to enjoy the benefits of your donation for many years to come. We will not forget your kindness and generosity. Hopefully your gift will inspire my students to share their abilities and resources with others, thus paying it forward. On behalf of the students in Room 304, I would like to express a sincere thank you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maura McDonough