Past projects 2
Third Graders Feel the Need--the Need to Read!
Funded Nov 30, 2021I am so very grateful for your gift to the students. Marvin Redpost is their favorite character and they will greatly enjoy this story while immersed in their Literature Circles. They have been eagerly awaiting their chance to read this text. Thank you so much! Happy, happy holiday from Class 302!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Petti
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 2 other donors.We Love to Read! Please Help Us Get a Class Set of Hatchet
Funded Apr 7, 2016Dear Donors,
Our class began reading the beautiful hardcover editions of Hatchet the day after we received your wonderful donation. It has meant the world to my students, and I can not thank you enough.
As the teacher, I chose to incorporate literature circles while studying Hatchet. If you happen to not be familiar with literature circles, I will explain the reading strategy briefly. The purpose of lit. circles is to allow students to take ownership of their own learning. Students are placed into groups of five. Students are trained to have book talks by teaching them "role sheets." Role sheet discussion skills are as follows: Literary Luminary, Chief Connector, Illuminating Illustrator, Word Master, and Discussion Director. Groups set their own reading pacing schedule and run their literature circle book talks while the teacher facilitates.
The marriage of Hatchet and the literature circles worked wonderfully. The student are totally enamored with the novel and the idea of surviving in the wilderness. It is amazing to see them get right into their book groups each morning, assign their reading chapter for the morning, and assign their daily role sheets. During writing, the students all keep a notebook diary. Each day, they must imagine that they are Brian, trapped in the Canadian wilderness, with not only his Hatchet, but a diary too. They are so creative with their diaries. Sometimes they make lists of things they must do to survive, or ways to get rescued. One day, they even decided to write a letter in their diaries, as the main character Brian, to his parents, in case he does not survive. I must also thank you for the audio book. We have two non-readers in the class. However, with the use of the audio books, these two students were able to not only enjoy the story, but also remain an integral part of the book talks. Their discussion contributions were amazing, and the boost to their self-esteem was magical to witness.
I hope that the pictures I included do justice to the students' enjoyment and appreciation of this novel. Your donation has been more than generous, and I want to thank you, on behalf of my students and myself. You have donated more than just a novel, you have fed the imaginations and creativity of a wonderful and appreciative class of beautiful nine-year old students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Petti
This classroom project was brought to life by Orkin and 3 other donors.