Past projects 44
The Barnabus Project II
Funded Sep 24, 2021"Nothing is impossible"
That was the theme of Jelani Alladin's visit with the kindergarten and second grade students during his Broadway Books First Class guest artist visit. We studied and discussed Jelani's childhood in Brooklyn, where he dreamed of performing. His commitment and tenacity in following his dream eventually lead to the Broadway stage. Jelani shared how his casting as Kristoff in Disney's Frozen on Broadway was a step towards embracing diversity in the arts. His presence in that role helped children of color see there was a place for people who looked like them in the arts.
The book he read, THE BARNABUS PROJECT by The Fan Brothers, also focused on breaking the mold of societal expectations. It's an exciting adventure that had the students hanging on each word.
In the end, every child left with the message - Nothing is impossible - and a copy of the book signed with a personal message by Jelani. Your donation allowed the students to have a copy of the book to read and share with family members. Together, we are helping children see the power of reading and the magic of possibility.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
The Barnabus Project
Funded May 4, 2021"Nothing is impossible"
That was the theme of Jelani Alladin's visit with the kindergarten and second grade students during his Broadway Books First Class guest artist visit. We studied and discussed Jelani's childhood in Brooklyn, where he dreamed of performing. His commitment and tenacity in following his dream eventually lead to the Broadway stage. Jelani shared how his casting as Kristoff in Disney's Frozen on Broadway was a step towards embracing diversity in the arts. His presence in that role helped children of color see there was a place for people who looked like them in the arts.
The book he read, THE BARNABUS PROJECT by The Fan Brothers, also focused on breaking the mold of societal expectations. It's an exciting adventure that had the students hanging on each word.
In the end, every child left with the message - Nothing is impossible - and a copy of the book signed with a personal message by Jelani. Your donation allowed the students to have a copy of the book to read and share with family members. Together, we are helping children see the power of reading and the magic of possibility.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by SONIC Drive-In and 10 other donors.Mindfulness in Kindergarten
Funded Aug 12, 2021We've started our mindfulness practice in kindergarten with "Brain Breaks". This is simply taking time to settle our minds and focus our thoughts by breathing together. The books you provided help us deepen our understanding of the benefits of doing this. The goal is to create a classroom environment of empathy and respect for everyone. Here we express gratitude and lift one another up with kindness.
We also started studying the parts of the brain that are responsible for decision making, long-term memory, and spontaneous outbursts. This understanding works to provide students with the tools they will need to monitor their behavior and develop coping skills to manage frustration, anger, and worry.
I feel so fortunate to have these wonderful books to engage and motivate the children to discuss their feelings and build a positive community in our happy classroom. The work is ongoing and important. Thank you for your support.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill Gates and 6 other donors.Embracing Self-Expression
Funded Mar 16, 2021On Wednesday, April 28th Tony Award nominated playwright Charles Busch visited with my first grade students via Zoom. Charles read the book SPARKLE BOY by Lesléa Newman and Maria Mola. The theme of the visit was "To Thine Own Self Be True".
Charles answered questions from the children about his career and he explained that he found success only after he embraced what was unique and special about himself. He encouraged the students to be comfortable with who they are and to follow the path in life that feels right for them. Charles, through his words and the reading, also shined a light on those wonderful concepts of acceptance and love.
It was because of your generous donations that each student took home a copy of the book signed by Charles. There was much excitement around the handing out of the books and in watching the children turning the pages, reading, and discussing it.
Thank you for helping me build lifelong readers.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 5 other donors.Children's Books Read by Broadway Stars in the Classroom!
Funded Mar 5, 2020Thank you for supporting this project to bring deaf and hearing members of the Broadway community into my classroom to read to students in kindergarten and first grade. This books you helped purchase will be read by Russell Harvard, Donna McKechnie, Robert Ariza, and Donna Murphy. This is an exciting way for children to dive into reading. I look forward to sharing pictures with you after the visit.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by A group of anonymous donors and 4 other donors.Reading With Tony Award Winner Donna McKechnie
Funded Feb 23, 2020What an amazing group you are! This project was fully funded in only 3 days! It's very thrilling to know there is such loving support for the vision of Broadway Books First Class. Together, we are sending a message that reading and the arts are important. We are letting children know they are invited to be part of its magic. What a gift! I look forward to sharing pictures and more with you after Donna's visit in late March. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
Broadway Books!
Funded Aug 13, 2019We celebrated a magical morning filled with the words and images of children's book author David Litchfield. Broadway veteran, Elizabeth Ward Land, skillfully read THE BEAR, THE PIANO, THE DOG, AND THE FIDDLE to my kindergarten class. Our classroom, usually filled with motion, was still as the children listened to Elizabeth and ASL interpreter, Stephanie Feyne - who often interprets for Broadway - read this tale of friendship. The book was the centerpiece of her Broadway Books First Class visit (learn more about the program at broadwaybooksfirstclass.com).
And thanks to you, every child took home a copy of the book! Returning to beloved books and encouraging repeated readings is one way children build their literacy skills. It deepens their sense of story and is a step toward encouraging them to become lifelong readers.
I thank you for helping me lay that foundation through your generous support.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and 6 other donors.A Study in Stages
Funded Aug 5, 2019On October 15, 2019 we welcomed guest artist Siena Rafter into the classroom. Siena was Assistant Director to Kenny Leon for the recent revival of CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD and was part of the ASL team for KING LEAR starring Glenda Jackson earlier this year. Siena read BABY MONKEY, PRIVATE EYE for a rapt audience of kindergarten students. Afterwards, because of your generous donation, each child took home a copy of the book! This book is a chapter book for the youngest reader. It contains just over 50 words, repeated throughout the text, with engaging illustrations. It's a wonderful way to motivate students and lift self-esteem. They feel a sense of pride because they are reading a chapter book. How cool is that?!
BABY MONKEY, PRIVATE EYE is the first of the featured titles in this project to go home. The other beautiful, high-quality picture books will be read throughout the year as part of the Broadway Books First Class program. Thank you for supporting us and I hope you have an opportunity to check out BABY MONKEY, PRIVATE EYE and the other books as well.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by Neukom Family Foundation and one other donor.Stage Lights to Story Time
Funded Apr 17, 2019Thank you for helping me share the joy of words with my students. Your donations went to purchase books for children in PreK and second grade for my Broadway Books First Class program. The first book, THE BEAR AND THE PIANO, contains a timeless message about the importance of family and friends. It was read by guest artist David Staller. You can read about his visit by using this link
http://www.broadwaybooksfirstclass.com/a-visit-with-david-staller.html
The second book, FIRENZE'S LIGHT, helps children realize they each have unique qualities and should embrace who they are. This book will be read by a guest artist this fall.
The Broadway Books First Class program has given away over 900 books in four years. This is something to celebrate! I thank you for your donations and hope you will continue to support the program in the future.”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 3 other donors.Fantastic Books Create a Welcoming Home
Funded Jan 12, 2019Thank you for supporting this Broadway Books First Class guest artist visit from John McGinty. John read the beautiful children's book THE FANTASTIC FLYING BOOKS OF MR. MORRIS LESSMORE by William Joyce in American Sign Language. We expanded on the theme of the book during the visit. We also talked about John's work on Broadway in CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD and KING LEAR. The visit celebrated language, words, and books. Your donation made it possible for each child to bring home a copy of the book with a personal message from John. Thank you for supporting literacy and the Arts!”
With gratitude,
Dr. Wellbrock