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Completed: Sitting On Top of the World to Learn!

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"I am a first year teacher, teaching bilingual third grade in the Chicago Public Schools. I teach at a school where there is a high percentage of low income families. I have supplied a lot of materials out of pocket so that these students will have the best learning environment possible, but unfort... " MORE
"I am a first year teacher, teaching bilingual third grade in the Chicago Public Schools. I teach at a school where there is a high percentage of low income families. I have supplied a lot of materials out of pocket so that these students will have the best learning environment possible, but unfortunately I couldn't afford a rug for the classroom library.

Every classroom is required to have a "classroom library" where students go to do individual reading, reading with partners and sometimes whole-group instruction. Since the floor in my classroom is tiled, I cannot have the students sit on the floor and learn comfortably. The students are at their desks for most of the school day, and it would be a nice change for them to be able to take their learning to the floor. However I do not want them to be sitting on hard, cold tile. It will make them uncomfortable and they will not concentrate on their work. This is why I am requesting a comfortable rug for them sit on. This rug has picture of different countries' flags on it, so it is also educational.

Right now I have no option: there is nowhere but the students' desks for them to work or read. Bilingual students are very visual learners, so having a place where we can all meet in close quarters, instead of spread out in a room with desks, I will be able to use a lot more pictures for reinforcement of vocabulary and concepts. Also with a classroom rug, we can have our "class meetings" in a much more intimate setting on a rug. A "class meeting" allows students to share their feelings about me or their classmates in a non-threatening way. During DEAR time students can have the opportunity to get out of their desks and read on the rug.

We would really appreciate your support to being able to get out of our seats and learn as a community on a classroom rug!

My project needs an area classroom rug as a meeting spot for whole group instruction and individual reading time. The cost of this proposal is $317, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

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Mrs. S. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Dec 28, 2007
Dear John and Wells and Drew, 
Thank you so much for purchasing this rug for my classroom. You have no idea how excited the kids will be. Right now when we want to sit together to either read a book, watch a video or have a more intimate discussion, I have old carpet squares they have to sit two to a student to. The carpet squares are fraying at the ends and most of the boys pay more attention to ripping them apart than to myself or what is going on. The students will finally have a place to sit and read in their free time instead of being stuck at their desks.

Thank you SOOO much, what a fantastic Christmas gift and a awesome way to start out 2008!

On Mar 28, 2008, Mrs. S. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Beth G. (staff member) on Sep 10, 2007
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Beth G. (staff member) on Sep 10, 2007
William F. from Wilmette, IL gave in honor of John and Wells from Chicago, IL on Dec 21, 2007
Nancie from Chapel Hill, NC gave in honor of Drew from Chapel Hill, NC on Dec 21, 2007
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Dec 27, 2007
Teacher MailThank You Letter posted!
The teacher Mrs. S. on Dec 28, 2007
Purchased the supplies for Mrs. S.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Laura L. (staff member) on Jan 9, 2008
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Mrs. S.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).
Jun L. (intern) on Mar 31, 2008
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
Meet the Donors (below)

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