Past projects 3
Graphic Representation, Graphic Novelization, Graphic Adaptation
Funded Feb 3, 2023The mental health crisis among young people is felt disproportionately by the LGBTQ+ teens of color in Bronx classroom. My students need as much representation as we can get in our AP Lit lending library. Contemporary, diverse, and inclusive graphic novels to the rescue! My twelfth graders have been so enamored by all the crisp new pages, bright and bold covers and art that they leave a lot of their emotional baggage at the door every day during our eighth period lit circle gathering.
Some testimonials:
"When i was reading a girl in pieces, which is about a suicidal girl who is let out of the mental hospital once she turned 18 and pushed to live on her own without relapsing.. I felt very comfortable, seen maybe ? The way the author described her breakdowns definitely helped me feel less lonely." ~ Emily
"....Reading made me think about how even though there are stories that have no happy endings, if I can persevere through it all just like [my character] has been resilient during the entire book, I too can reach a happy ending." ~Jeremia
'"Cemetery Boys" by Aiden Thomas... is amazing but the part that is purposefully a big part in the book is the fact that the main character, Yadriel, is a trans individual in a latinx community. As someone who's also part of this community this book made me feel seen in a way that other books about cisgendered teen boys couldn't." ~Arien
Hopefully, you can hear the very real, personal, and vital help you've provided my students. We will remember forever.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen-Agha
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and 4 other donors.Intersectional and Inclusive Lending Library
Funded Jul 20, 2021This fall, I am reaclimating my students not only to the physical classroom space, but also to the mental, emotional and social exertions complicating our collective recovery. One strategy I am using with my seniors is an expanded Independent Reading program. We needed a lot more books in the category some call, "high-interest with a low-entry..." something my fussy, AP Lit lending library was woefully lacking. Contemporary, diverse, and inclusive YA literature to the rescue! My twelfth graders have been so enamored by all the crisp new pages that they leave a lot of their emotional baggage at the door every day during our eighth period lit circle gathering.
Some testimonials:
"When i was reading a girl in pieces, which is about a suicidal girl who is let out of the mental hospital once she turned 18 and pushed to live on her own without relapsing.. I felt very comfortable, seen maybe ? The way the author described her breakdowns definitely helped me feel less lonely." ~ Emily
"....Reading made me think about how even though there are stories that have no happy endings, if I can persevere through it all just like [my character] has been resilient during the entire book, I too can reach a happy ending." ~Jeremia
'"Cemetery Boys" by Aiden Thomas... is amazing but the part that is purposefully a big part in the book is the fact that the main character, Yadriel, is a trans individual in a latinx community. As someone who's also part of this community this book made me feel seen in a way that other books about cisgendered teen boys couldn't." ~Arien
Hopefully, you can hear the very real, personal, and vital help you've provided my students. We will remember forever.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen-Agha
This classroom project was brought to life by Emerson Collective and 6 other donors.Visualizing the Writing Process
Funded Aug 15, 2020In my strange and awkward images, you can see that I am using the ipad to manipulate text on our shared screen, while simultaneously interacting through the virtual meeting software. I am able to participate from the student view and still monitor the students' own participation and submissions.
The most important thing we can do for our students during this time is to maintain their connection to us and to each other. Writing by hand with a stylus both during my lessons and onto their drafts may seem like a small gesture, but it keeps them aware that I am with them.
Thank you most sincerely for your help, support, and generosity in these strange and trying times. My classes have been hugely helped by your gift of the iPad and stand case. I have been touched by my students' upbeat attitudes despite their isolation and difficulty. Any small way that I am able to improve their engagement is a remarkable fete.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Cohen-Agha