Past projects 12
A Book Nook and Library for Book Club
Funded Oct 9, 2016Reading is often thought of as not fun or enjoyable at a young age, especially when it comes in the form of a textbook. In my classroom we have "book clubs" and ditch the textbooks altogether. We read novels! Students vote on which books they want to read and based on their reading level and interests, are assigned a book for the next few weeks. At one time there are five different groups going, each reading a different book. There are assignments along the way and we meet once a week to discuss the book.
During their meeting time once a week we cover reading skills like predictions, inferences, setting, characters, problem and solution, and evaluating. We talk about how we relate to the book, parts we found interesting or surprising, and it also gives us the chance to help clarify any parts that may have been confusing. Once the books are done they can take a test and accumulate points that get to be spent at the end of the year. They also create a project (video, Goole slideshow, skit, 3-D creation of the setting, poster, etc.) at the end to present to class. Not only are they working on presentation skills at that time they are working on collaboration, tolerance, kindness, and team work.
The students were extremely excited when they books came in the mail because we spent a few days researching books that we would want to read and order. To make it a little more exciting I wrapped every book like a present and we had a book club reveal. When they came in one day they all had a gift on their desk. The surprise and excitement on their faces made it worth the hours that it took. I like knowing that they are interested in reading and I will do whatever it takes to make reading fun for them.
Thank you again for making this possible! My students and I are more appreciative than you can imagine.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Castro
Alternative Seating for a 21st Century Classroom
Funded Sep 14, 2016The new seating options have transformed our classroom. My students that need movement are loving the yoga balls. They can focus and stay in one spot. The students that would prefer to stand are using the standing stability disks and I raised their desks so they are at standing height. The cushions are at desks that are lowered so some kids can be closer to the ground and the wobble stools keep my sleepy kids awake because they cannot lean or they will fall over.
My students were beyond excited. I knew the boxes came because I had been tracking the items and told a few kids to pop by the office after lunch. The rest of us sat down on the floor in our gathering area and when the students walked in it was all they could do to not break the items while they tore the boxes open. We were supposed to do PE but pumping up the balls and laying on the cushions just seemed more important!
It has now been a few weeks and students have started bringing in their own yoga balls because they decided we needed to get rid of all the old chairs. We have even started recycling and bringing in cans. When we get a few bags I take them to the recycle center and put the money in a jar. As we earn more we buy more yoga balls and standing disks.
The new chairs are a way for students to be comfortable and be able to concentrate more. The focus in the classroom has gone up tremendously. My students that would normally walk around with a clipboard because they couldn't sit that long would eventually become a distraction to the students around it. Now that they can move in their own area the distractions are easier to manage.
I cannot thank each and every one of you enough! It is so nice to see the students realize just how much other people care about them and see that their education is important and we are on their side. As my little Sarah said, "Who knew these people cared about us kids so much. I have a good feeling about them".”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Castro