Mrs. Ruthruff's Classroom Edit display name

Graham Hill Elementary School
Seattle, WA
More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

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Past projects 1

Building a Library Of "Mirrors and Windows"
Funded May 6, 2020
Thank you for the beautiful books you helped purchase. We have used them in our "Making Meaning" (reading comprehension) lessons. First graders learn that strong readers are able to make self-to-text connections, visualize when reading, and retell details about a story. These books were specifically chosen because they reflect a diverse and variety of perspectives - stories that a wonderfully diverse classroom of children can connect with.
One student in particular loved our classroom read aloud of "Mommy's Khimar." After class she asked me if she could bring the book home and read it with her family. Fortunately, I live in the same neighborhood as I teach. Despite online learning and COVID restrictions, I was able to drop the book off at her house. I loved being able to say, "YES! Of course you can borrow this!!"
Our classroom has met virtually throughout the entire year. Despite the challenges, students have still been able to enjoy reading. I've used the document camera to showcase the books during our classroom read alouds. The beautiful pictures in the books translate extremely well over the internet. During a typical year - students have easy access to books through our classroom library. I look forward to getting back to school - and giving students the chance, on a daily basis, to have beautiful diverse books in their hands once again!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ruthruff
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 2 other donors.

I am a first year teacher who desires to build a classroom library of books that will serve as "mirrors and windows" for my first grade students. "Mirrors" are stories that reflect a student's cultural identity and personal experience. "Windows" are stories that introduce students to people and characters who have a different perspective, identity, and experience from their own. Both types of books are essential for student development and learning. When a 6 year old reads a story about a little girl who looks like her, it affirms that her story and identity have value. Stories such as "I Love My Hair" have the power to secure this student's sense of belonging in the world. In addition, when this same little girl has the opportunity to read stories about people who have different views and experiences from her own, it helps her to develop a sense of understanding and empathy for others. It also gives her the opportunity to explore and reflect on how her story connects with someone else's story. This is powerful learning! During classroom "read alouds" students are engaged in rigorous and critical thinking. They are asked to reflect on their own experiences and to find ways to make meaning and find connection with the stories they're listening to. Therefore, it is essential to provide my classroom with a diverse and culturally responsive library that meets the needs of every student.

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Mrs. Ruthruff's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Ruthruff's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Past projects 1

Building a Library Of "Mirrors and Windows"

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Ruthruff's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Ruthruff's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Past projects 1

Building a Library Of "Mirrors and Windows"

About my class

About my class

Share this classroom

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.