Past projects 2
Piecing Together the Separation of the Hatfields and McCoys
Funded Oct 19, 2017The Coffin Quilt was a huge success with my eighth grade students this year. Several of my students have seen the A&E movie, The Hatfields and McCoys, but reading history through the eyes of only one side of the story really changed their perception of the people involved in the famous feud.
Students were given comprehension worksheets to complete with various chapters throughout the book, as well as a 20-person character analysis project. They had to use text citations to complete the character analysis, which was a skill that several students needed more experience with.
We read three chapters a day as time permitted. We read aloud, with partners, and independently. I have two students with significant deficits in their reading skills, so I read to them in a small group and asked questions after every little bit to make sure they understood what I had read so far. Several of my students were quick to point out the "country dialect" of this book. They have more vocabulary to use now and have tried to use their newly-discovered words with other teachers (the kids get a kick out of stumping teachers). Several of my students have noticed the variations between the movie and this book as well.
To my surprise, I had more male students enjoy this book than I thought would have enjoyed it. After we finished reading the book, I asked the students to write down three parts of the book that might have been told differently if the book had been told by a Hatfield family member. I also asked them to draw what they imagined the coffin quilt to look like from the writer's description.
I am forever grateful for your donation. This book has been so beneficial for my students. If I remember correctly, you mentioned in your initial donation letter that your grandparent was from WV and you were "paying it forward" in their honor with this donation. You have accomplished that and so much more. Thank you very much.”
With gratitude,
Ms. B
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and one other donor.Keeping Within the Scope of Current Events for Middle Schoolers
Funded Mar 27, 2018I am beyond excited that my classroom project has been funded because that means that my students will have the opportunity to become better readers while focusing on current events, as well as social and personal skills they need to be successful (and involved) middle school students.
The Scholastic magazine offers a wide variety of skills within itself, but having a classroom set will allow our classroom "family" to work independently when needed yet have more engaging and topic-centered discussions as a group to increase critical thinking skills, as well as establish decision-making skills that are positive and beneficial for each student as a productive member of our classroom (and our school).
DonorsChoose donors are the best!”
With gratitude,
Ms. B
This classroom project was brought to life by Ripple and one other donor.