Past projects 3
What's Inside the Writer's Notebook?
Funded Dec 13, 2010Words cannot express my gratitude to you for the generous donation of journals and markers. The students in my first grade classroom refer to "journal writing time" as the best time of the day. At journal time the children find a comfortable place where they can write for about fifteen minutes.
The school where I teach is in a low income, very urban neighborhood. Receiving a beautifully bound journal book is such a gift to these students. They treasure the books and do their best work. They are extremely careful with the markers as well.
As a teacher, it is my belief that activities involving thoughtful reflection allow students a sense of intellectual ownership and a better understanding of oneself and one's own abilities. I also use the journals as a source of information that allow me to construct appropriate mini-lesson in grammar, spelling, punctuation and word usage that are tailored to the students needs.It truly is only through the generosity of people like you that the students in my class are able to receive these materials. Please know that they are well cared for.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Breen
Kids Staying Current with Time
Funded Sep 14, 2010Thank you for your generous donation of Time for Kids magazine. Each week my first grade class enjoys a new issue. The magazine is colorful and filled with high interest non-fiction stories and fun puzzles. The students really enjoy it and look forward to the afternoons in which we read the magazine.
Please know that your generous gift extends into the homes of my students where reading material is lacking. Many of the students in my class live below the poverty line. Most are first generation Americans. At the end of the week the students are able to take the magazine home and share it with their families. This is exciting for them.
As a bonus to me, Time also sends ideas to extend the lessons. It is a great resource.
Again, thank you. Truly, it is only through the generosity of people like you that my students are able to enjoy additional materials such as Time for Kids.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Breen
We are Reading Machines
Funded Mar 23, 2010I would like to thank you for you generosity in purchasing the listening centers and the biographies for my first grade class.
The sight word listening center is being used during reading center time. Each day a different group of students would use the center. The students are always excited to use the equipment. Because the four levels were purchased, all the reading groups were accommodated. The repetition reinforced the sight words while the student's hands-on manipulation of the letters and words kept their interest. It is interesting to note that the students take great care in packing up the materials and keeping them neat and clean.
I have just completed the formal reading assessments for this trimester. The analysis indicates a significant gain in reading especially among the middle level reading groups. I sincerely feel that the listening centers were a factor in this increase.
The biographies were read by the top reading group in a literature circle format. These students were so excited to read about the famous Americans. They were able to discuss the text as well as make connections between the books. I intend to use the biographies with the other groups as well.
I cannot thank you enough. The students have truly benefited. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Breen