Past projects 3
Classroom Lighting
Funded Dec 3, 2024Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity.
The students returned from winter break to a much warmer classroom, lit with gentle lighting that makes our space feel cozy and inviting. Students have been settling into longer reading time with their choice books, which is helped by the calm lighting that is still bright enough to keep them awake!
We've also benefited from the books in the order, which have continued to diversify our shelves with more and more options for students to read. A new favorite has been the Scythe series.
Thank you again for your support in our classroom!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maksymowski
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.Building Compassion Through Books
Funded Jul 5, 2024With the new book donations from you, students now have access to books that explore mindfulness, real stories of unsung heroes helping others, and narratives that encourage stepping into the shoes of diverse characters. These stories are vital in helping students see the world through different perspectives, cultivating their ability to understand and feel for others.
For example, when they read about someone quietly making a difference, it inspires them to reflect on small acts of kindness they can do in their own lives. Through mindful practices and real-life examples of compassion, students are learning how empathy isn't just an abstract concept but something tangible that we can all practice.
These donations are already having an impact! We launched our Choice Reading Project last week, where students get to pick their own books, and the only "assignment" is for them to defend their choice and explain how the book is helping them grow. The joy on their faces is priceless as they realize that reading is about connecting with stories, not completing worksheets or sticking to rigid summaries. Even reluctant readers are finding books they are eager to try, and they're free to switch if one doesn't resonate with them.
This freedom to choose allows them to experience the vast spectrum of human emotions and experiences, which directly contributes to building empathy. As they explore these diverse worlds, they're not just improving their reading skills—they're learning how to connect with others in deeper, more meaningful ways.
Thank you for providing our classroom with enough resources to make this reading project possible!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maksymowski
This classroom project was brought to life by The Compassion Project and 5 other donors.Classroom Library- Middle School Reluctant Readers
Funded Jun 20, 2024Students entered the classroom this year literally begging to check out books the first day. They were so excited to see books that interest them in our actual classroom.
We just launched the Choice Reading Project, in which they can read books of their choosing and the only assignment is for them to defend why they chose these books and how they're helping them grow as a reader. It's amazing to see the joy on their faces as they verify that "All I have to do is read? No chapter summaries? No worksheets? No choice of 4 and you have to stay on pace with your group? So I just get to read what I want?!"
Even for my more reluctant readers, we've found books they are excited to try. Since the goal is them learning about themselves as readers, even if they don't love it and want to exchange, they can. That's the beauty of this project- they are not stuck with one choice. It's mimicking what life-long readers do all the time- browse books, try them out, and switch it up based on how they're feeling. The whole goal is to get them reading so they increase their vocabulary exposure, fluency, reading speed, etc. because they are reading what interests them. Thank you for helping me gift this better practice of what it truly is like to have a love of reading.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Maksymowski