Past projects 3
Wander Into 2022 With Wonder!
Funded Jan 9, 2022Thank you again. We are over the moon excited about our novels. Following Florida Literacy Week, we took the time to really learn about book genres and discover our "taste." With The One and Only Bob and The Ickabog as our focal genre, we added a variety of genres and spent a day "tasting new books!"
After a morning of donut holes and book tasting because we believe 'America Runs on Reading,' my students' eyes were open to new possibilities in their book selections.
Finally, our brand new novels (all thanks to you) we're voted on to decide which we would get to read first! The vote was slim at 12-8, so it's evident that my class is ready to dive into these new books as they explore the fantasy genre!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Burgess
Journey With a Giant
Funded Dec 3, 2019This project has opened my students minds and imaginations. One thing I didn't expect (but am especially happy about) is the empathy my students felt when reading. Both the BFG and Sophie live in less than desirable circumstances, but they both are able to find kindness and happiness. These characters focused on the good, and my students saw that, felt that and loved that about them.
Most of my class reads a chapter a day independently. Meanwhile, a small group each days works with me to better fluency. Occasionally, I read to everyone, too. The BFG taught himself to read and write, so he can hard to understand. The setting is also in the UK, so my students needed help visualizing where they were and (sometimes) what they were talking about. It's been especially fun for me immersing my students in the English culture because I am familiar with it. After reading, students write chapter summaries to describe the main events.
I've seen quite a few sparks of imagination and a great deal of excitement with this book. I believe my class will be especially inspired the closer we get to our Medieval Festival- I'm confident that they'll think creatively as we study the wondrous Medieval Times.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Burgess
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 5 other donors.Expedition GR. 3: Searching for Bright Readers
Funded Sep 9, 2019Wow! This was a greater success that I could have ever imagined. By third grade, several kiddos are reading chapter books...some as long as Harry Potter. On the other hand, some are just beginning to take on the intimidating task. There was something inspiring about "Because of Winn-Dixie." After completing our novel study, every one of my students is now independently reading their own novel. I am sending bigger groups, more often, to library now that they have the taste for reading!
As well, my student's hearts and understanding of compassion grew. This story pulls at your heart strings and my class fell in love with the characters. They were thrown into an unfamiliar setting and realized the power of love and never giving up on happiness.
Not only did we grow as readers, we grew as individuals (myself included) thanks to this project!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Burgess
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 11 other donors.