Mrs. Graham's Classroom Edit display name

Past projects 13

• Looking For the Chance to Teach, "Looking for Alaska."

  Funded Mar 6, 2020

  The opportunity to teach, "Searching for Alaska," has been a fruitful one. This book is modern and deals with many teen issues such as alcoholism, non-consensual contact and suicidal ideologies. This book gave me an opportunity, as a teacher, to have very intense conversations about relatable issues. I was able to provide resources and bring in guest speakers on some of the more challenging topics.

  Reading in my classroom is not quiet like one would expect. There are quiet moments but for the most part, this book was selected because the topics are intense and gets students talking. Many breaks in reading occur when someone has an idea, comment, question, connection or opinion about what we are reading.

  For many students, this was the first book they have read in school that was written recently unlike most literature they have been exposed to. I have had several students ask to borrow the book for a second read which I considered a huge win since there is a movie version they could choose over reading again.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Graham

  This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 7 other donors.

• Reading Together Even While We Are Apart

  Funded Jul 15, 2020

  Getting the opportunity to teach, "Looking for Alaska," provided a platform to discuss many issues teens are often struggling with such as: teen pregnancy, regret, stifled family relationships, bullying, struggling to determine your sexuality, drug use, dealing with unwanted advances, poor body image, suicidal ideations and complicated teen relationships to name a few. Many of the excerpts allowed the students to broach these subjects with rich discussion as they could use the fictional characters as their security blankets to delve deeper into them and themselves.

  Knowing this book was rich with complicated themes that I felt best journeyed together, all reading of this text took place solely in class. I would often start class with a journal writing of a topic that would come up later that period in the reading to allow them, before being exposed to the book's dealing with the subject, to explore the topic independently in their own journalling process. I would usually read to them, play a portion of the audiobook or have them read on their own if the topic was one I wanted them to approach at their own speed. The last portion of class would be open discussion that was some of the best I've ever experienced in my thirty years of teaching.

  Many students thanked me for bringing something new, fresh, modern and real to their reading experience; Something that many had never experienced as most school reading are very dated and hard to relate to books. Three students begged to keep their copies! Definitely a sign of a win in my book.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Graham

  This classroom project was brought to life by Salesforce and one other donor.

• We Are Stuck Without "Stuck In Neutral"

  Funded May 15, 2015

  Stuck In Neutral is a fictional book from a young man with extreme Cerebral Palsy's point of view. To the world, he is a "vegetable" but to the reader, he is an interesting, funny fourteen year old boy. The boy's father is actually considering taking his son's life out of love because he believes that his son is suffering. As we read this book, students discuss what is life, what is living, when does life have value, and is value only real if the world can assess it through actions. We have rich discussions, heated debates and get some very introspective pieces of writing. Up until now, I have been reading out loud to them as we did not have books of our own. When I handed them the books today, there was a squeal of happiness and a quick sniff from many to prove that the books were indeed, brand new with the new book smell and all. They delved into chapter 8 with books in hand and seem delighted to get to hold the literature instead of hearing it from me; especially the students who are not auditory but are visual learners. Thank you so much for your support!”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Graham

• "Mrs. Graham, Can I Borrow...?" " Sure, Here You Go."

  Funded Oct 15, 2013

  As soon as the boxes started rolling in, my students were excited. Out came markers, colored paper, binders, white out...things most people wouldn't find too exciting, but for us it was so much fun. Everything started to show up right as the kids were working on several projects for various classes. Once word got out that I was "stocked," my classroom after school looked like the inside of a Michael's. The kids at first were thanking me for getting them all of these cool things. I explained how Donors Choose works and they were amazed that people out there were willing to donate basic items so that they could have snazzy looking projects too.

  Students are continually in and out of my classroom to request items they do not have, so the items I requested and received are used throughout our entire school. In my classroom though, my favorite usage was a poetry project they completed in which they were to add a piece of artwork to enhance their writing. You will see in the pictures how cool their artwork turned out...much in thanks to your generosity. One great moment with my supplies was with a young man named Lucas. He is a very strong student, so I was suprised when he came to school without any supplies. When I asked why, he explained that his backpack was stolen from some boys on the bus. He was very upset and stressed. In addition to helping him report the theft, I was able to walk over to my cabinet and re-stock a backpack with every single supply he needed complete with new binders, a flashdrive and a teary smile/hug.

  Having all of these supplies makes me more comfortable assigning certain projects because I know if they do not have what they need at home that I can give them the supplies from my stocked cabinet. My room is full of amazing writing coupled with colorful projects. It feels more vibrant and welcoming when you walk in. The kids come in at lunch and walk around admiring the walls which I think is pretty cool.

  Thank you so very much for you donation. It may seem like small things to have markers, crayons and glue but to my students it is so much more.”

  With gratitude,

  Mrs. Graham