Past projects 19
TADA! Live Theater For English Language Learners
Funded Dec 17, 2012With state testing looming in the next two weeks, this is a wonderful time to recount our field trip to TADA! Because I have been going to the shows for years, I had access to the script of Little Moon Theater, the lyrics, and recordings of some of the songs. In education when you help build a background to enhance learning, this is referred to as scaffolding (used, unfortunately, as a verb) and by scaffolding the experience, we were able to guarantee a richer experience for all age groups.
The production itself was really touching. If you ever wondered what rapt attention looks like, I got a real eyeful of it from my seat on the aisle. The students were knowingly nudging each other, laughing at appropriate moments, quietly singing along and even responding to the emotional climax although not with the misty-eyed response of the parents and teachers. Many kids asked to go again.
We spent the weeks after discussing the themes of the show and the many components that go into a theatrical production and the kids wrote five-eight well organized and thoughtful paragraphs on the experience. It is truly amazing what they are capable of when genuinely moved and thanks to your generosity they not only had fun but they had the type of exciting material to motivate excellent writing.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
Remember The Weekly Reader
Funded Nov 17, 2009I hope the letters and photos give you a little taste of how much fun and learning the kids have gotten from The Weekly Reader this year. The publication continues to have a keen sense of what will interest students, providing a deft combination of enjoyment and education. Current events issues like Judge Sotomayor's appointment to The Supreme Court to the earthquake in Haiti to the United States Census are mixed in with "fun" stories about the rise of 3-D movies, the arrival of The Winter Olympics and Tooth Fairy (the movie). In between there are always lots of science stories about the rescue of a stranded manatee, a fish with transparent skin (in China) and the discovery of a tiny crab the color of a strawberry.
The kids truly look forward to every issue and we are backlogged so there are still many more upcoming. In addition, The Weekly Reader continues to provide excellent handouts related not only to the issues in the magazine but also tied to third grade learning standards. Skills such as going back into the text for answers, critical on the third grade reading test, are regularly reinforced, along with vital grammar practice. Perhaps most importantly, The Weekly Reader steadily builds background knowledge about the world, essential to students who are often limited in their exposure to the day-to-day news. The fact that their lives are enriched in ways that are both entertaining and educational makes your gift of The Weekly Reader an unbelievably valuable tool in our classroom and we are truly grateful for your generosity. ”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
TADA!: Live Theater for Bronx Kids
Funded Aug 17, 2009Let me start by saying that the kids truly had an incredible time at the TADA show "BOTCH." As third graders, the youngest audience members, they got to sit in the first two rows of this very intimate theater. For children who have never seen live theater, about half the class, you can imagine what it's like seeing the performers three feet away from you. Although I have taken many kids to TADA, during my years teaching, I literally never get tired of seeing their genuine look of wide-eyed wonder. Invariably I find myself casting sidelong glances during the show to gauge their reaction at key moments.
The show itself featured featured three intertwined stories about people lost underground in the subway maze. From the set itself (we came by subway) right through to the actors, (talented New York schoolchildren) the show resonated with my class. Along with the general message of perseverance and tolerance, the kids were caught up in the numerous components that go into staging a musical: everything from the story, the songs, and the characters to the lighting, set, costumes and band (piano, percussion and woodwinds), as well as the singing, dancing and acting. After the show the students ran around getting the performers (school kids themselves) to autograph their programs , which gives one a pretty good idea of how excited they were about the whole experience.
While fun is a big part of the experience, there are also additional additional academic benefits. The TADA shows always provide tremendous fodder for writing, because the experience is so dynamic for the students. Since we are working on organizing our writing into paragraphs, the above list of show components gave the students the opportunity to write numerous detailed paragraphs on one general topic. Most students wrote at least two full pages and I had a number of students who wrote three, four and even five pages of organized paragraphs. That has true academic value and it happens primarily because the show provides such memorable and engrossing subject matter.
Once again I would like to thank you so much for your generosity in providing the funds to allow my class to see the two TADA shows. If you have any doubt as to the value of your giving, I hope you feel assured, by the photos and letters, that you have truly provided my students with one of their most memorable elementary school experiences. I know this to be true because I had at least three of my former students, now in fifth grade, beg me to take them to the TADA trip. It's an experience they still remember and cherish. Thank you so much for making this experience possible. ”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
TADA!: Live Theater for Bronx Kids
Funded Jan 10, 2008I just wanted to send you a brief note of thanks for your generous funding in support of our class trip to TADA! Youth Theater. TADA's professional caliber, original musicals, featuring New York City school children as performers, are truly the highlight of the school year. In addition to the built-in literacy opportunities and the positive message of the stories and the sheer fun of seeing live theater from a distance of ten to fifteen feet, it is especially important that my South Bronx students get to see kids like themselves succeeding on the stage. In so many ways the shows resonate like nothing else for my students. I have former students, now in fifth grade, who still talk to me about the shows they saw four years ago. We will be sending you a complete thank you packet after we attend the first show but I already know from experience that your generosity will provide my students with a meaningful and memorable theatrical experience. Thank you so much for your support.
--David L
PS 130”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
The Gift: Seven Years of Art
Funded Sep 18, 2007I cannot wait to tell my class about the incredible art supplies we have coming. I am in my second year with the same students (we moved from 2nd to 3rd together) and, to be honest, they are used to getting by with minimal materials. In fact, to be brutally honest, not once during the entire school year of 2006-7, did anyone, (other than me, on chart paper) have the opportunity to use a marker. I didn't have nearly enough and for the few kids that had markers, it just didn't seem fair to everyone else. We just had to satisfy ourselves by decorating with nubby crayons. This is really a wonderful group of kids: smart, hard-working and compassionate. I am very lucky to have them and I know them well enough to tell you that when they see the boxes of art supplies it's going to look like a Norman Rockwell Christmas scene, circa The South Bronx in 2007. I will be sure to capture the moment for posterity as well as sending along some samples of their artwork. Perhaps best of all, by my estimate, these supplies should last till my current third graders are well into high school, serving at least a couple of hundred kids along the way. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
Sincerely,
David L
PS 130”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
Remember The Weekly Reader
Funded Aug 31, 2007I wanted to take a minute to thank you so much for funding my request for class subscriptions to The Weekly Reader. This publication will be a tremendous resource for my class. This year I am "looping" (moving up with my class) from second grade to third. My students grew to love the magazines last year and it will be great to have them again this year. The Weekly Reader provides excellent topical, non-fiction reading that is written on grade level. In addition to being fun and informative, I think it also helps to prepare the children for their first official standardized test. Once again, thank you so much for your generosity. You will hear from my students, in detail, later on in the school year. All the best, David L (PS 130X”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
TADA!: Live Theatre for Bronx Kids
Funded Sep 13, 2006I just wanted to send you a note right away to thank you for funding our class trips to TADA! Youth Theatre. I don't know if you are familiar with this organization's work, but they put on absolutely wonderful original musicals for kids. Most of my students, if not all, will be experiencing live theatre for the first time. Thankfully I can tell, after only one week, that I have a nice and deserving group of students. When I mentioned field trips, including TADA!, I liked the way they got very quiet and wide-eyed. They are already looking forward to the first show, which is not until February and, when I say "they," I am referring not only to the kids but also to the parent/chaperones who rarely, if ever, attend live theatre. The shows will be the highlight of the school year and will be an excellent reward for all the hours of hard work. Even as early as second grade (with tests upcoming in 3rd) school, at least in the South Bronx, is all business. In addition to the fun, the shows provide an excellent opportunity to explore all the main components of literacy, so this will also be a valuable learning experience for the students.
Unfortunately the students at my school truly miss out on a number of things that many of us take for granted and it is really great when they get opportunity to see something like live entertainment. You will receive a big loving packet of thank-you notes in February, after the first show. It is your kindness and generosity that make this experience possible and, speaking on behalf of my students and their families, we are extremely grateful for your support.
Yours truly,
David ”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
Everyone Is An Artist
Funded Sep 6, 2006I have just this afternoon completed my second day of school with my new class of South Bronx second-graders. So far they seem to be a nice group. Toward the end of the day I mentioned, seemingly in passing, although totally calculated, that I like to go on field trips. It seems that is my school, and the surrounding neighborhood, some teachers like to go on field trips and others, I think majority, would rather not bother. I was essentially dangling a little carrot for the class. It is a measure of their lack of worldliness that they were very excited to hear we would be going to the library (New York Public--Woodstock Branch.) While that is a trip I make more or less monthly throughout the school year (and enjoy), I barely even consider that a field trip. To me it is more like a road test of field trip compatibility, just to make sure that all my students can handle the freedom and responsibility.
Then I mentioned a few other possibilities, including my proposed museum trip. Their eyes truly lit up at the prospect and I'm not sure they even fully understand what a museum is. At this age, everything is a new and rewarding experience.
Personally I was really taken with the museum (AFAM) during my course and I especially like the idea of combining some art observation and discussion with some hands-on art activities. Also, since I know the people who run the education program, and we will be going twice, I am quite sure they will go out of their way to make the experience memorable for my class.
I can't begin to thank you for your generosity in funding this experience for my students. I truly appreciate it and I know my students and their parents (who often accompany the trips and are almost as excited as the kids) will be truly grateful. As soon as we make the first trip, my students will send you thank-you notes recounting the experience in detail. Once again, thank you for your kindness.
All the best,
David ”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
Remember "The Weekly Reader"
Funded Aug 24, 2006I wanted to take a moment to thank you in advance for your generous funding of The Weekly Reader and Science Spin. These are two great age-appropriate publications. My students do not ordinarily get their own copy of a magazine or any publication and it is a big deal for them to get something they can read and keep. In addition, each issue includes writing and comprehension activities that are engaging and are tied to the academic standards for the grade. Although it is still summer, I know that in just a few weeks I will be gathering my new class around the carpet where we will read the first of many issues. It will be a great educational and bonding experience for them and enjoyable for me also. In May and June, many months from now, we will still be reading The Weekly Reader, the gift that lasts all year. You will be hearing from my students in a couple of months so you will find out first-hand what they've learned and how much they've enjoyed it. Once again, thank you for your generous support.
All the best,
David L
PS 130”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin
Never Been To A Movie
Funded Apr 12, 2006Dear Contributors
I wanted to drop you a note right away to thank you for funding our trip to see the movie "Hoot." Today (Thursday, 4/13) is actually the first day of our spring vacation so the kids won't hear the news for another ten days. Still they will be thrilled when they find out the trip is officially on. We are currently on Chapter 8 of the book. On a recent trip to our local branch of the New York Public library, one of the students found the CD of the book, so we are now alternating between my reading and the reading of "Emmy award-winning actor Chad Lowe." Personally I prefer me, but the class was fairly split, so we're switching back and forth. Meanwhile three of my top readers bought the book at a recent book fair and have begun forging ahead of the class, on the solemn promise that they don't spoil it for the rest. Another student was very excited to see a poster for the movie on the front of a city bus and the whole class is now checking buses for the poster. The bottom line is that the class is excited about the book and they are going to be doubly excited to see the movie. As I mentioned in my proposal, the book/movie experience is always one of the highlights of the school year, as I know it will be this year, and I want to thank you so much for making it possible. Once again thank you for your kind generosity. It is greatly appreciated.
Yours truly
David L
PS 130”
With gratitude,
Mr. Levin