Past projects 17
Chromebooks for History
Funded May 14, 2019Thank you so much for you support of my classroom with the donation of the Chromebooks. This summer I was able to use the devices nearly everyday during summer school. The truly incredible thing about your donation was that it allowed my summer school students to have 1:1 technology which meant each student has their own device to use.
This was incredibly helpful because students were able to work at their own pace for independent practice exercises - they could rewatch videos if they didn't catch something, translate words they were unfamiliar with, and explore different parts of the world using things like Google Earth's Treks. Since the start of the school year I have used the Chromebooks to help students build their technology skills and review their geography basics. The technology makes a difference! It helps students personalize their learning but it can also create some very fun collaborative opportunities.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 5 other donors.Chromebooks for History
Funded Oct 13, 2018As we return from winter break I have to say that the new Chromebooks have had a great impact in the classroom thus far and will continue to benefit my students! I want to update you on some of the great things I have seen so far.
First, technology can make some of the mundane necessities of teaching exciting. It's important for students to learn vocabulary and review concepts, but copying information from a glossary has never been very exciting, especially in 2019. However websites like Quizlet allow students to compete in teams demonstrating their mastery of important information in real time. Test review becomes a raucous event (in a good way!) as students develop teamwork skills along the way.
I have also set up a Google Classroom account for my 8th grade class so students can work on writing and research to develop those skills as they head into high school.
Finally, Houston ISD offers access to a lot of different platforms that students can access to help with their studies. I am still working on converting some activities from pencil and paper to digital, but I have already seen a big difference in the engagement that technology creates!”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 24 other donors.Adventure in the New Republic
Funded Nov 23, 2017The materials have arrived and my classroom is abuzz with excitement. In lieu of "Rebels: These Free and Independent States", I ordered the graphic adaptation of "The Gettysburg Address". This is a great way to review the history of the US from "four score and seven years ago" through the Civil War. The graphic novels are utilized at an important time of the year when students need are starting to feel worn out.
Your generous donation also helped our nascent baseball team get some important materials like batting gloves and a chest protector. This gear helps protect our athletes.
I am incredibly grateful for your support.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron
Help Draw "Battle Lines" in US History
Funded Aug 23, 2017Thank you so much for your donation to my classroom set of "Battle Lines"! Throughout the year I try to work in a lot of different types of reading activities. We may use textbooks or other informational texts and primary source documents to help students get the historical knowledge they need.
Graphic novels can make a huge impact on students. Although we have read just a small portion of Battle Lines thus far (they will study the Civil War in full this spring) the excitement about the book was tangible. Your donation has already begun to resonate with my classes study of the Civil War.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron
Don't Let Summer School Float Down the Styx
Funded Apr 19, 2017Summer school is winding down but because of your generous donations I have had some of my most fun days of the school year (which almost began a year ago!) this week. I know the importance of engaging students using graphic novels and the Olympians series by George O'Connor has been a fantastic addition to my classroom.
I've spent some time this summer going over ancient history and before learning about the history of Greece we spent some time on the geography and culture. While some students came into class with an impressive knowledge of the pantheon most students found an unfamiliar and exciting array of characters and stories.
Prior to opening up the Olympians series the kids watched some video and also completed an activity that had some general description of the various Greek gods and goddesses but didn't give anything away in terms of their stories.
The kids then had a chance to select one of the nine titles in the series and completed a journal hand out with their reactions. The kids were engrossed in the books and I know they provided them with fascinating stories. George O'Connor does a great job of bringing out the personality of the various characters and weaving threads throughout the books. I know a book is a hit in class when a kid asks, "Where did you get that Mr. Faron?" and I got several variations of that question today. I tell kids that they are part of the classroom library and that they are always available to read here at school along with a few options for purchase on their own, but the most honest answer to that question is "I got them from some very generous people."”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron
Journey to Ancient Empires
Funded Dec 22, 2016This year I have tried to do a lot more to get my 6th grade students reading independently as a part of their curriculum in 6th Grade World Cultures. Our school district has made a big push to boost literacy in middle school grades and give students an opportunity to read more. We have been provided with a variety of books related to our curriculum as well as a Jr. Scholastic magazine subscription.
Whenever we have Reading and Journaling Days in my classroom students are given a few options as to what they can do. They can read a Jr. Scholastic magazine, something from our social studies library, or a book of their own - but I always wanted to have a book available that relates to what they are studying currently.
This is where Donors Choose comes in; class sets of books are placed on their desks relating to our current topic in class. My most recent project purchased class sets of the You Choose series that allows students to dive into an adventure of their own design through historical fiction books set in China and the Aztec Empire.
These books have been well received by our students and allow them to have an adventure in a time and place far away from Houston. I have had students excitedly tell me where they ended up in their story and have seen them comparing different paths in the book. Historical thinking can require a bit of imagination and putting oneself outside of your normal perspective and the You Choose series is incredibly helpful in developing such attributes in our students.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron
Good Reads in Mr. F's Class
Funded Sep 2, 2016As we head back to class after a relaxing Thanksgiving break I want to thank all of you for the wonderful support you've provided to my classroom through your contribution to our graphic novel library. I feel the 2 titles have had a wonderful impact on student learning in the classroom and that students have both a greater understanding and appreciation of the Revolutionary War and US Constitution as a result.
The first book we read was Rebels: A Well Regulated Militia, a series that follows a single New England family throughout the Revolution before becoming an anthology of important perspectives during the era. Students read the comic in class and discussed how the story reflected broader themes of the era through handouts and discussion.
A few weeks later we began using the US Constitution: the Graphic Adaptation. This book is a truly excellent resource to use when covering the Constitution in class. Our students, like many others, can struggle with the depth and breadth of the concepts that come along with learning about the functions of our government. This resource does a wonderful job of covering the Constitution in an approachable and succinct manner with excellent use of symbolism. Students were allowed to take and use the book over the course of several weeks for use in class and outside of class.
I think most students enjoy the use of graphic novels in class and these resources are two of the finest that can be used when it comes to teaching history. Your gift helped create a connection to the American Revolution through historical fiction and a thorough understanding of how our government works.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Faron