Past projects 6
The World Is a Rainbow: Books That Embrace Race!
Funded Oct 28, 2020My students and I are so grateful for your support during these difficult times. I have been teaching remotely for over a year now, and having these beautiful new books has been a real blessing. My students were presented with a huge variety of awesome new titles thanks to donors like you. They crave the popular new titles and many have shown up for "curbside pickup" each and every Tuesday to retrieve their new library books! My 6th graders have thoroughly enjoyed reading these new titles in their Social Issues Book Clubs. These are the books that have motivated them and inspired them. Having a wide variety of new titles has especially helped to spark an interest in reading for my reluctant readers.
In addition, the beautiful picture books have proven to be incredibly helpful during Covid times. It IS possible to read picture books to middle schoolers through a computer screen! They absolutely love being read to, and these books have helped me provide opportunities for discussion that have been critical to discussing current events and dismantling racism. This has been a very difficult year for everyone for obvious reasons. It is imperative for teachers to read books that help build empathy in our young students. We must continue to help students better understand other people's experiences and perspectives. Books can open hearts and save lives.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nevins
This classroom project was brought to life by Chevron and 16 other donors.6th Grade Authors: Creative Minds Can Change The World
Funded Dec 4, 2019I cannot express how grateful my students and I are for all the new resources your donation allowed us to purchase. The kids' faces lit up when they saw all the new supplies and poetry books. The flair pens were a HUGE hit, and have made a definite difference in the quality of their work. My students are now definitely making their journal entries, reading jots, and all artwork "sparkle". All the supplies (new Sharpies, double sided tape, post-its, glue sticks, printer ink, etc.) were much needed and have helped with the day to day reading and writing activities.
Because of your generous donations, we were also able to purchase a very special blank white book for every single child, and students will be filling with those blank pages with their own creative poetry and writings. Poetry/creative writing is now something my students look forward to doing! They know that come June, they will each have a very special keepsake book of their 6th Grade year. This means the world!
We also just concluded our Biography projects, and as you can see in the photos, the students work was spectacular. Again, thanks to your help, the kids who chose to do a "paper" project versus a digital project, LOVED having all the new art supplies! They were so proud of their final projects, as they were able to show their knowledge in beautiful CREATIVE ways after completing a ton of research on their "favorite person who made a difference" in the world.
Again, my sincere thanks for all you did to help enrich my students' lives. We appreciate you so much.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nevins
This classroom project was brought to life by An anonymous classroom supporter and 7 other donors.Chasing Our Dreams: Biographies & Memoirs to Open Our Eyes!
Funded Jan 24, 2020Words cannot express how grateful I am for the kindness and generosity you have all shown towards my students and their learning. The smiles on their faces when all these "cool" new books arrive is going to be priceless. These books will add SO much excitement to my classroom library! You have no idea how much kids love these fun biographies. I chose a wide variety of "famous people" from Alexander Hamilton to Stephen Curry, from Einstein to Bill Gates, and from Mother Theresa to Beyonce! Over 160 new books and stories that will surely "wow" these kids! No more borrowing other teachers' books!
For whatever reason, reading nonfiction books is sometimes not as "fun" for some middle schoolers. That is about to change! These are the books my students begged me to purchase when I asked them what they truly wished they had in our classroom. They will be SO excited tomorrow when I inform them the books are on the way!
Thank you again for the outpouring of love and donations for this important Reading project. It warms my heart to know we are all making a difference in kids' lives by inspiring the love of reading.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nevins
Comfy and Cozy Literacy Centers *For The Win*
Funded Jul 16, 2019Thank you so very much for your continued support of my 6th Grade classroom at Iron Horse. When my students arrived this year to a classroom full of many brand new books and new "cool" reading furniture they were SO excited. Kids love seeing BRAND NEW books, and multiple copies of each book was even more exciting for them. They heard me speak about partner reading and upcoming book clubs they would be in with their friends.
The joy and excitement of getting to sit in comfortable huge suede beanbag chairs and soft chairs while reading was also a huge excitement for them. Everything fresh, new, and colorful (all the way down to the color coordinated clipboards you helped purchase) has made this an extra special start for this year's class. The kids love being in here, many of them even ask if they can come in at lunch time or after school "just to hang out and read" because they love our classroom. Because of your help, my students have been able to have a safe and comfortable "home" and feel like they are in book heaven! Thank you again for all you have done for my students and for me. You have truly made a difference in the lives of these kids.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nevins
This classroom project was brought to life by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and 20 other donors.Changing Lives Through Empowering Novels
Funded Oct 26, 2018I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation to our classroom library through the Donors Choose program. As a reading and writing instructor, I understand the importance of having books in the classroom that truly connect with my students. Unfortunately, some kids get bored very quickly these days, and it seems schools/teachers need to always have current and interesting book titles in their classroom library to hold some kids' attention. Improving my students' reading comprehension skills is always my number one focus. Research proves that allowing students to have the freedom to choose their independent reading books makes a huge difference in how often they will actually read. Having exciting book choices makes all the difference in the world to these kids.
In addition to Independent Reading in the classroom, my students also participate in a variety of "Book Clubs" throughout the school year. We have already completed units on Deep Study of Character, Nonfiction/Biography, and soon will be embarking on another unit focusing on Social Issues. The students love taking part in these book discussions with their peers. The deep thinking that I witness and overhear as I roam from group to group always blows my mind. Again, great book titles make all the difference in the world.
Some students started out the year below grade level and struggling with finding a book they even "liked". Every time new books arrive, kids light up! One student told me last week that she never even liked reading before 6th grade. I asked her why she thought that was the case. Her reply, "you have awesome books in here and always help me find ones you know I will like." I wouldn't be able to do this without all the help from people like you. Thank you again for your donation. It means the world to my students and to me.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nevins
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose.org Community and 13 other donors.New Books to Spark Empathy!
Funded Oct 17, 2017Thanks to all of you, my classroom library has turned into the popular "hangout" area of the 100 wing! I so desperately needed new popular titles that kids could get excited about reading...and we accomplished that goal! The new books have been read and reread numerous times already, and my students have done multiple "book talks" sharing their love for reading with their classmates, inspiring their friends to beg to be "next in line" for a particular book. These students needed great books that inspire, and the new library has done that!
Every single day when students walk into my classroom, they reach into their backpacks for their books to read independently. I have noticed a huge difference in the excitement level once these new titles arrived. Students love having more choices! This is sacred time. Students have even sent me emails requesting me to save a particular title for them, once another student returns a class favorite. Additionally, the books are being read in partnerships, trios, and small groups. The novels we received are books that inspire creativity and open minds, while teaching empathy and tolerance. In March we will begin a month long Reading unit using some of the new novels in our Social Action Book Clubs. I am so excited to watch the kids learn and grow from reading and discussing these incredible books.
Lastly, students who entered my class as struggling readers are now encouraged and excited to read. They are no longer afraid of books. They are excited to "dig in". I cannot keep the Kwame Alexander books on the shelves! The students' parents are thanking me for sparking this new love of reading, but the thanks also goes out to all of you. The beautiful picture books were an added bonus, because yes, even 6th grade students still love when their teacher reads them a powerful picture book!
As you can see, books change lives! Thank you so very much for your generosity. My students and I appreciate your kindness and are forever grateful.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Nevins