LES Lions Roar into Learning With Books

Funded Sep 17, 2017

Thank you so much for your generosity. My students and I have really enjoyed reading the books we received. The students were so excited to open the boxes and reveal what books we would be reading. Once they were all opened, I sorted them into categories to teach the traits of empathy, optimism, resilience, persistence, and flexibility. Then in our morning meetings, we would discuss the meanings of the traits by focusing on one at a time. I would then read one of the books to the students. They would identify how that book demonstrated the trait we were discussing. Not only were students receiving a lesson on social skills, but they also were able to identify the theme of stories, identify author's purpose, and were able to retell stories.

After reading the stories to the students and discussing the trait they helped us work on, students were able to read them during partner reading. It was so interesting to see how students gravitated towards the books that focused on the trait that he/she needed most. We have loved reading and exploring the messages in these books. My absolute favorite moments are when students quote the stories we have read to remind their classmates to have empathy or be optimistic with all that they do.

These students have learned so much about not only reading but themselves because of these books. My students this year have already started making a list of an order they think I should read them for next year's class! Your gift is a gift that will keep on giving for years to come!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Zimmerman