A Quest for Adventure!

Funded Jan 31, 2021

Receiving the gift of an additional class set of The Lightning Thief books has been invaluable through the pandemic. With the majority of the school year being held through the distance learning model, I didn't have enough copies for each student. With your generous gift, each student was able to have one at home, and then those students who returned to in-person learning brought their copy to school (while those students remaining distance learners have kept their copies with them at home).

We began reading the book after our studies of ancient Greece and the influences that time period had on the modern world. Once we completed those studies, I chose to read the book aloud, with students following along with their own copy. Reading this way allows students to hear a fluent reader with proper expression. It also ensures all students are keeping up with the story. This is vitally important, as students need to be engaged when the discussions of the hero's journey, character development, and the influence Greek myths have on modern culture are discussed.

Activities and assignments are given with each chapter (we are currently on chapter 19 of 22). One of my favorite assignments is the midway assignment in which each student writes about their favorite chapter as we complete chapter 11. Additionally, they write about their overall impressions of the book. Reading a statement such as, "It gives me a sense of adventure in my mind every time that we read. Being able to see the story in motion in my mind makes the story so much more alive." shows the greatness of The Lightning Thief. Repeatedly seeing the statement "I can't wait to read the next chapter!" further demonstrates how powerful this book is. There were many students who told me they do not enjoy reading, but that The Lightning Thief has changed their mind!

My students and I are truly grateful for your kindness and generosity. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. St.Clair