Past projects 7
High Interest Books for Higher Thinking
Funded Dec 26, 2019Thank you for the wonderful books! Before this pandemic, students thoroughly enjoyed the series. Some of them were able to take these books home, and are rereading them during this time.
Many of the students during our live read aloud are making connections to their personal books and the read aloud book we are currently reading. It's been amazing to see how kids continue to connect learning and reading in these different environments.
Thank you once again! I hope everyone is staying safe during this time!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo
Series Books for Serious Readers!
Funded Aug 5, 2019Thank you so much for every donation. The students love the books and have devoured series after series. These books are great for the students to practice figuring out the issue of the story before they begin reading. These habits are important habits that we as adults practice before reading.
We are now reading 40 intense minutes in our class and at home daily. The stamina has risen in our class, as more students are being less focused on the surrounding, and more enamored by their books. We are slowly working towards reading more volume with more stamina, and they are eager to work towards that goal.
Thank you so much everyone.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Funder and 5 other donors.Beginning Chapter Books to Begin Reading Voraciously!
Funded Jul 17, 2019Thank you so much for all the contribution towards providing books towards our classroom. The class already prides themselves in finding books that they love, whether it be one particular book, series or an entire genre. Some of the girls in the classroom are already scheduling who gets to read one of the new series.
We are currently working on building ideas about characters. In order to teach this, we had to first find books that will allow us to read intensely. Many students are able to focus on growing ideas as they already are engaged in their new books. Your contribution is shifting the way our students think about books!
Initially, many of the students come in reluctant to read. One of our students, T, found it difficult to name a book that he likes. But now he has found such a strong interest in books like 'My Weird School', and wants to read more of 'Sam Wu is Scared' series. Thanks to him, I already started another donorschoose to ensure that he can read the entire series.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 7 other donors.Graphic Novels for Bigger Worlds
Funded Aug 23, 2018Thank you so much for the donation! My students are already excited about reading and are looking forward to reading the graphic novels. They are big fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid and look forward to trying out other graphic novels using the skills we learned.
Reading stamina has increased immensely in our classroom. This is all thanks to the students finding books that they love and enjoy. Just recently, we had a 40 minute reading marathon and all students kept their eyes on their books and groaned when reading time was over.
Thank you once again donors!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo
Need Books With Different Perspectives
Funded Aug 22, 2018Thank you so much for your wonderful contribution! The students were excited to discover that the library has been built through the accumulation of many wonderful previous parents, donors new and old, friends, and my effort. Many students have been excited to learn that we will have book clubs using the books that we received. Some students have discovered new series and are amazed by the worlds they enter.
Because we read purposefully, students are more aware of the expectations they have in their books. They already know what their books will be about and that their characters change because of the problems they anticipate. Some students have already taught each other certain skills on how to pay attention to certain details to better understand their characters.
This year, many of the students have come from a dual language classroom, so many students are excited that some books still have Spanish words, and I plan on accumulating spanish versions of the books. This will help them continue their language skills in another language and deepen their understanding of their books. Thank you so much once again!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.Social Justice Books for Future Leaders
Funded Dec 27, 2017Thank you for your donations! The class has been working hard on reading stamina and building ideas to share with others. As a class we have been recently connecting our learning experiences and skill into real world events. We talked about what it means to be an activist, and how to become an activist. During small groups we talked about issues that we notice in the world, and the importance of gathering information to better understand who it effects, who has power, and the impact. We look forward to utilizing these books during our Social Justice Book Clubs, to learn about how certain issues in the world impact a marginalized group, and how power continues to be reinforced with certain groups.
As we aren't currently in the social justice group, some of the students have read the books as their independent books and jotted about it, which strengthen their understanding as they reread it again during the unit. Book Uncle and Me has become a favorite for one of my student-- we talked about Yasmin's problem and the power books on children. I can't wait for her to further share her ideas with her peers, and discuss the different ideas and perspectives they bring into the conversation.
Thank you once again. Recently, Black Panther has created such a wonderful shift in my classroom's environment. Many of them saw themselves in that movie, and we discussed the power of representation and why it matters. I shared my own experience in the limited representation I had growing up. These books will further strengthen the power of representation, and also the different kinds of issues that exists.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo
Comfortable Benches for 4th Graders!
Funded Sep 1, 2016Dear Donors,
The year started off with a blast, when the students entered the classroom and saw the benches. I remember how difficult it was seating everyone on the rug, with more than 30 developing students crammed together with limited space. With student per classroom numbers growing yet room sizes staying static, it is difficult to find alternative and productive ways to engage students in learning. The students were ecstatic to see the two comfortable benches (now named Ben and Chez per their request), eyes widened with joy and excitement to find another possible way to better their academics. It has become their favorite spot to read, work with a partner, and to sit at during lessons and morning meetings.
The benches are one of their favorite places to sit at, that we have learned as a community to share and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to use it. We rotate sitting their weekly for morning meetings, and have the choice to sit there and read during independent reading, partner work and quiet time. During the core subjects, it allows space to open up on the rug so everyone can sit comfortably to engage and learn.
Thank you so much for your generous contribution. These benches provide space for sparking debates, building a community, and engaging in academic learning. One thing our class recently has been working on is focusing on the word identity. We discussed the word and its meaning, dissected ways we, as individuals and community members, build identity, and will further deepen our understanding by reading articles on gender equality, income inequality, and racial disparity. We hope to continue to become conscious community members and individuals who can impact the world in a positive way.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Heo