Past projects 5
"Scouting" Out A Love of Literature
Funded Sep 9, 2013Knowing the level of maturity needed for this book, I started the experience as a read aloud. I would read a few pages a couple times a week, I actually was near funded at the time but not quite there. I believed I would need to take it slow and do a lot of explaining. I was wrong--but I was also right! I was wrong because the children do not want the experience slow, they want to gobble this book up. What I did correctly was tease them with the statement that To Kill A Mockingbird was an adult themed book. It set the tone for a serious approach, eased us into deep discussions about language and race, and baited the readers to push themselves.
When your gift arrived, we could hardly wait to get started. The children were begging me to stop my read aloud and let them do the reading. We still stop often to discuss, but the discussion is so rich and powerful that it is worth the time. This week we discussed the paradox of how the N word was used in the story and how it is used today. We continue to reference the context of the story as occurring in one time period, having been written in a second, and the experience of reading it in a third. This coming week we are going to play with language, the children are going to rewrite the dialog from a short selection into today's vernacular. I want them to understand how time and setting have a relationship with a story line, and that the language must fit the situation.
One of my students took the book home and finished it, leaving him way ahead of the others. I doubted his comprehension but he had so totally immersed himself in the story that it gave me pause to reconsider him as a learner. I think this single event made your gift worth its weight in gold. I will continue to grow and learn, as will my students, thanks to your generosity.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Solomon
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 11 other donors.Take A Stand: Integrating Literature with Treasures
Funded Sep 6, 2012Thank you again for your wonderful generosity! I am so excited to have this project fully funded. My class has begun to read Number The Stars by Lois Lowry. They are fully engaged in this story of survival and war.
We have made connections to current events and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I originally thought to use the book during the early fall in a unit entitled "Taking A Stand" but the book also fits in wonderfully with our new unit entitled "Using Your Wits".
I believe in fostering an independent spirit and love of reading that will stick with my learners far after they have left the "safety net" of elementary school. My learners are gifted students who are adding Depth and Complexity to our understandings of the world. We will discuss ethical issues, multiple perspectives, and how the novel relates to our lives overtime. If we can develop a new generation of readers we can save the future of books!
So I commend you for supporting my little contribution to our next generation of avid readers! Know that your help has added to my ability to provide for my fifth graders as they reach to achieve beyond the standard curriculum.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Solomon
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 2 other donors.Laptops, Learning, and Lessons
Funded Mar 18, 2012To my dear Friends and Family, my heart is filled with gratitude at the thought of your generosity. The children are thrilled. We have received our new computer and are already deep into Dabbling Projects on it!
In today'ÂÂs world, children need to develop the technology skills that will keep them competitive in their schooling and beyond. Having the classroom technology available just makes my job so much easier and school so much more fun for the children!
My gifted learners enjoy independent learning projects. They are currently working on a range of projects from investigating Black Holes to designing a new version of the VanâÂÂs sneaker! Having this extra computer gives each group a little more research time and extends their learning. Next week I plan to start using the laptop to remediate my teaching with lessons from the Kahn Academy. Being able to access the Internet, have word processing ability, and learn the usage of computers will help my children become better students and deeper thinkers. We are all very appreciative of your support.
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With gratitude,
Ms. Solomon
"TIME For Kids" to Read and Research
Funded Feb 14, 2012Once again, I want to personally thank you for your generosity. Because it is mid year, I believe I will be able to implement the TIME FOR KIDS over two school years.
It is imperative that in today's technological world, our children develop the skills needed to read and research information. Maintaining a connection with the outside world helps to build understandings and produce well- rounded, informed, students who are able to discuss with ease current events.
My gifted learners enjoy classroom discussions and debate. They are currently working on writing persuasive essays that address the larger population rather than their own needs. Being able to read and discuss issues that are common in our community will help them become better writers and deeper thinkers.
Budgets are so tight right now that spending on the extras like TIME For Kids is a pure luxury. Without your support our children would have to go without. Thank you again for your generosity. ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Solomon
Dabbling Does Develop Devotees
Funded Jan 2, 2012We received our materials so quickly, we were working with them the week we returned from Winter Break! This was the first time I had ever completed a Donors Choose Request and I cannot thank you enough for supporting me and my children.
Part of our enrichment curriculum involves "dabbling" or following individual interests. It allows me to teach research skills and use technology in new and interesting ways. The children love creating PowerPoint presentations on their research. They are taking photos that can be uploaded into their PowerPoints. As an extension of "dabbling" I am trying to expose the children to as many varieties of "products" as possible (like photo journals), I want them to employ decision making and choice as part of the creation process. The cameras have already been invaluable as the children have taken pictures of their art work and have videotaped themselves practicing our play "The Internal Hall of Fame". The cameras will continue to be of use throughout the entire research project and in other activities as well. We have assigned photographers to document our progress. We have used the iPad accessories for whole group instruction. All of these materials will be used for years to come!
Once again, thank you for your support. With budgets cut so dramatically, it is a gift to have Donors to help us provide for the children.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Solomon
This classroom project was brought to life by Wasserman Foundation and one other donor.