Past projects 2
A Long Way Up
Funded Aug 24, 2019I really appreciate your contribution to making the first semester a success for my students. There was not one student who was not impressed and engaged by the novel we were able to purchase and make a part of the curriculum.
Students were able to track characters, in particular the protagonist, through the internal and external conflicts he faced. Through identifying his internal struggle throughout the novel, they were forced to empathize with his plight while at the same time problematizing their own feelings about the topic of "violence" and "revenge."
At the same time, students were asked to think about their decision making process and to reflect on how values and personal principles play a role in that decision making process. This created many opportunities for reflective writing.
We were so lucky to be able to think about relevant issues while also connecting with characters on an emotional level as well. Thank you for making this possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sanchez Gonzalez
Making Literature Circles Come Alive!
Funded Nov 17, 2018Thank you so much for supporting our literature circle unit. The goal of this project was to create access for my students to engage with high interest texts. These particular novels featured protagonists and characters that are young adults, are of color, and deal with contemporary issues relevant to young people today. As a result, my students are enthusiastic about reading, and feeling genuinely fulfilled as readers thanks to your support.
Students who were initially hesitant about reading such long novels, and even hesitant about enjoying the titles chosen, have now recognized a new found love for the books they have had access to. This has made my students feel better prepared to write , in essay form, about the text. Since the novels were assigned to small groups, instead of to a whole class, students were encouraged to read at their own pace. Your donation made possible having different texts, and the flexibility to give a level of choice students have really enjoyed. Having high levels of interests, and not feeling pressured to read something at the same pace as everyone else, has created the type of positive experience everyone should experience with reading.
Students look forward to silent reading in class, ask for more time to engage in the text, and have really engaged in discussion with regards to the topics and issues from the books. Once a week, they meet with other students who also have the same novel in order to make sense of their reading. While observing, I constantly hear connections and new insights that students have gained from reading. I find myself also challenged to think about the novels differently. In particular, because of the issues raised in the texts, I find that my students are starting to challenge their own thinking with regards to how they look at their world.
My students are reading their worlds differently, as a result of your contribution. We cannot be more thankful and appreciative of your donation. You made this possible.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Sanchez Gonzalez
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 35 other donors.