Past projects 2
Capturing the Magic of Reading and Learning
Funded Aug 13, 2019Thank you for your generosity and support of my Children's Literature class at Central High School. The copies of the first four Harry Potter books have sparked a passion for reading and critical thinking in the class. We have just finished the second book in the series (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets). The course has focused on fantasy and detective story elements in the first two books. So far, students have compared the Harry Potter series to canonical works, wrote their own fairy stories, created pieces of fan fiction, published editions of the Daily Prophet, and designed escape rooms. I have included some pictures of their work for you all to check out. As we move into the second semester, we will look at the Romantic elements of the third book and compare the fourth book to excerpts from WWII war dramas.
The enjoyment that the students have had this year has been palpable and rewarding. Class discussions are always lively. Students regularly email me scholarly videos and articles that they found related to the topics of the class. Each day as students pour out of the classroom, class conversation continues between peers. The class has afforded students the opportunity to approach the Harry Potter series in a new and engaging way.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Kannengieszer
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 8 other donors.Gamifying English
Funded Feb 16, 2017Thank you so much for your contributions. Students have enjoyed being able to use the technology to engage with the learning. We have been using technology to access Schoology, our learning management system. Students have been collaborating with each other through discussion boards, Google Docs, and Padlet (an online collaborative bulletin board). The technology has allowed students to develop their 21-century skills which will help them for college and beyond.
Believe it or not, most students were very excited about the keyboards. Whenever we are using technology, there are always a group of students who shoot their hands up in the air when I ask who wants a keyboard. These have allowed students to type longer assignments more efficiently using their phones.
All of my students have shown an interest in technology throughout the year. What this project has done is give students access to it. Students, who did not have phones in the past, can now use technology to learn. They enjoy the autonomy that it provides them while their in the classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mr. Kannengieszer