Past projects 11
Going Wild With Books!
Funded Dec 23, 2013When my students helped me open the newly delivered books they were ecstatic! They were excited to see the brand new books. I was just as enthusiastic because I was certain they would find the books engaging and would draw them in from the very beginning. These books are providing me opportunities to practice think-alouds and model various strategies, as well as, help my students build fluency and comprehension.
There was a shift in paradigm in my goals and objectives when I became involved with the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project Environmental Studies Program in 2011. I became aware of the necessity and the motivational aspect of incorporating environmental studies into my reading support program. What a great way to get kids excited about protecting the environment than to give them books to explore different concepts about the topic. Through our reading we even get to travel around the world and learn interesting facts. The best moments are when my students see themselves as readers. One moment was when we were reading a book about the Rainforest. The students and I both learned there is an animal called a butterfroguin. It is a cross between a butterfly, frog and penguin! The students had fun sounding the new word out and then realizing what they were reading. Not only were they applying decoding skills, enhancing comprehension but also accomplishing goals they felt were not possible for them at the beginning of the year. The bar has been raised for not only the students, but me as well. It is now my goal to find meaningful ways to incorporate novels that will strengthen my students fluency and comprehension, but will also guide them in becoming stewards of the environment. An added reward is time for the kids to go to our STEAM room to apply what they are learning. Our discussions as we read our new books revolve around conservation and protecting wildlife. When we visit our STEAM room, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) they have time to experiment with applying what they are learning with recycled materials. Time spent on these projects also strengthens their problem solving skills. Our enthusiasm has increased our time spent reading actual chapter books. Discussions when reading are engaging my students in predicting, inferring and thinking and reasoning.
My students and I actually had the unique experience to be a part of an upcoming Sea Rescue show due to our involvement with a dolphin rescue that took place March 9, 2012. The show is hosted by Sam Champion and airs on ABC on Saturday mornings. It is scheduled to air either April 19 or April 26 next month. I invite you to watch the show to see first -hand how purposeful this type of learning truly is.
Student thank-you letters should be completed soon. I hope you enjoy your thank-you package. Your generosity is truly appreciated!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kosko
The Dolphin Project
Funded Oct 9, 2012Thank you for your generosity. Due to your contribution my students are engaged in relevant and purposeful text. The books and Nook are motivating the students to read more willingly. The Nook Tablet allows me to find books that will interest each of my students. It also allows students to record themselves reading their favorite books. The rereading promotes fluency, which all good readers must have to fully comprehend.
My students continue to gain so much from "The Dolphin Project". The books extend the Skype sessions and encourage creative writing activities (including poetry and informational writing). It is wonderful to see students wanting to learn more about the environment and wildlife. I especially love when the students make connections when they are reading! They are eager to "go the extra mile" to read more and see how they can impact their future, their world.
Many of the lessons my students are experiencing will remain with them for a lifetime. Your generosity will directly benefit my students, but also our planet. Please realize how much you have helped our students and how much it is appreciated.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Kosko
This classroom project was brought to life by Kia Motors America and 12 other donors.