The Husky Project

Funded Oct 21, 2016

I started off with a very thin library. Last year was my fourth year teaching, but my first year at a new school. Classroom libraries are the heart of a classroom and mine was completely dead. The books received were gold. My Scholars were fully engaged and excited to read so many of them. Secretly, they took some home and never returned them, and I was totally okay with it. Because my belief is that as long as a kid has books in their hand, they are set.

In fourth grade we teach a strong character's study unit. It's the first year Scholars understand that characters are complex and change multi times throughout the story. Characters have motivations, go through obstacles and react in certain ways. It's such a beautifully crafted learning experience, and we need a healthy, live library in order for Scholars to do practice this work with purpose and focus.

The books provided were a perfect balance of being culturally relevant, inspirational, connectible, engaging and rich. They supported the learning in the classroom and also the Scholars and their interests. Reading is one of my favorite times in the classroom, because Scholars are so engaged with their books and so deep in their work. Scholars are sitting there reacting - "Ah ha!" moments, laughs, strange looks, thinking bubbles... All are wonderful moments in a child's learning progression.

So many thanks!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Semana