"Teaching music is a way to inspire life long learning in my students. Not only am I teaching about a subject that I love, I am also able to give them skills they'll have for the rest of their lives. Watching them learn to play instruments is a great reward for me.
"Teaching music is a way to inspire life long learning in my students. Not only am I teaching about a subject that I love, I am also able to give them skills they'll have for the rest of their lives. Watching them learn to play instruments is a great reward for me.
However, I also know the importance of assisting with their core learning. Learning to read music and play instruments increases their ability to do mathematics. And giving them exciting topics to study about allows them to enjoy reading. At my school, most of our students are currently reading below grade level; and this is something I am working hard to change. As an urban, title 1 school, we face a lot of challenges. But you can help us overcome one of them: we need books. More specifically, we need books that the students will be excited about, love to read, and keep reading!
There are so many great books that have musical topics. This way my students can continue to learn about music, and work on their reading skills at the same time. Plus, with exciting, brand-new books, there is an added level of enjoyment. The students' eyes light up when they have new books to read. They quickly ask to borrow them and soon I see students choosing to read (on their own) at lunch and at recess.
Please consider helping my students improve their reading skills. As a lifelong, necessary skill, we need our students to be able to read at high levels. Part of the challenge is to make reading interesting and these books will do exactly that. New, colorful, exciting, music-themed books will transform my students learning!
My students need 36 music-themed children books, some with CDs, including "Puff, the Magic Dragon" and "Music for Little Mozarts".
See Ms. K.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
May 20, 2009
Dear Kathy, Rick, Rebecca, Fight For Children and Anonymous Donors,
Thank you so much for your kind contribution to my students. I see all of the students PreSchool - 5th grade at my school and that means I have a lot of readers to help. We're working so hard to get our kids reading on (and above) grade level, but to do so we need a lot of interesting books. I've found that a lot of the students love music and want to learn more, so these books are perfect. Not only can they practice and improve their reading, but they also can keep learning about music in a fun way. A lot of the books from this proposal came with CDs so that the students can read AND hear the stories. Some even have CDs with songs that go along. I can't express to you how cool these books. Not only are they brand new for the students to read, share, and listen to but they also are helping my students in so many ways. Even I am excited to read some of the books for myself! :) So thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I could not do my job without the kind generosity from donors like you!
With gratitude, Ms. K.
Ms. K. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Apr 17, 2009
Dear Kathy, Rick, Rebecca, Fight For Children and Anonymous Donors,
Thank you so much for your donation to my students. These books are going to be wonderful! Our students are struggling readers, and so this will bring music into their literary world. Anything we, as teachers, can do to improve their reading while maintaining their interest is so important to their academic success. Reading is a skill they will use for the rest of their lives so it is pressing that we catch them up now before they move on to middle and high school. Teaching music is a joy because I am able to share my excitement but I know I also must help their achievement in other areas through music. So thank you, because you are helping me to assist my students!
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Dayna D. (staff member)
on Feb 8, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate)
on Feb 10, 2009
A donor
gave
on Apr 7, 2009
Rebecca
gave
on Apr 9, 2009
A donor
gave
on Apr 10, 2009
"Thank you so much for your donations! I know that these books and cds will change the way my students learn to read and learn about music!"
The teacher Ms. K.
on Apr 11, 2009
"Fight For Children gave to this project, because we care about
Washington, DC, kids getting the quality education they need and
deserve."
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am a music lover!"
Rick
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because... reading and music have enriched my life and I am passionate about the beauty of both. I hope you let them expand your world, too!"
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Dayna D. (staff member)
on Feb 8, 2009
