"I teach ELD in a high poverty 7-8 school in a rural area. I teach mainly Latino and Migrant students. My mostly Latino students are learning English while dealing with poverty, racism, gangs, and school funding shortages. They are introduced to reading in a drill and kill approach that does not a...
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"I teach ELD in a high poverty 7-8 school in a rural area. I teach mainly Latino and Migrant students. My mostly Latino students are learning English while dealing with poverty, racism, gangs, and school funding shortages. They are introduced to reading in a drill and kill approach that does not allow them to learn that reading can be fun. With the Drill and kill approach, the students are given worksheet after worksheet and they are in serious need of making the book come alive to them. Finally, they think that reading is just a set of words that are done when the book is done. My students need to see that just because the book is done, that does not mean that the story is over. There is a wealth of information out there and all they have to do is look! As ELD students, many of whom have not performed well on state tests, most of my students have lost the opportunities to take electives. In addition, the focus on giving them basic skills leaves little space in their school day for creativity and exploration. I want them to experience reading and writing not as a set of drills to master skills, but as a way to express themselves and expand their world.
Mary Pope Osmond’s book ‘Earthquake in the Early Morning’ is a book that will introduce reading in a fun and non-threatening way. We will create a 3-d timeline that will show the progression of the story. Finally, my students will learn to research by researching and reporting about major earthquakes around the world. My hope is that I will reach my reluctant readers by creating an exciting environment of learning and teaching them that books are the beginning, there is a whole wealth of information waiting for them to explore! You will bring my students the joy of language, incentive to read, introduction to adjectives and dialog, the chance to be artists, and appreciation for the beauty in ordinary life.
My students need 30 copies of "Earthquake in the Early Morning" and art supplies such as paper and glue to create a working timeline.
HIDE
Aug 7, 2009
Dear Kathryn, Robin, Parri, Lily, Krysta, Nancy, Darlene and Anonymous Donor,
This is just a small token of my gratitude for your generous donation to my classroom. The Books and art supplies that you have donated have helped my students enjoy the world of books. We've used them to learn new words, to research about natural disasters, and to understand the basic elements of literature. These books were used in all levels of the English language classes. Our school, like most, facing a budget shortfall, without your help, my students w never have had this experience. I thank you and applaud you for your devotion to the education of student With gratitude,
Mrs. B.
Mrs. B. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
May 6, 2009
Dear Kathryn, Robin, Parri, Lily, Krysta, Nancy, Darlene and Anonymous Donor,
WOW! What a wonderful gift that have received! I was at work when an email message popped up saying that I have been fully funded for this project. I was amazed that at your generosity and what this will mean to my students, I can't wait to tell them this morning!
The students will be excited and engaged as they read through this wonderful book and creating fantastic replicas of the story and timeline. They will learn all about story elements as well as the joy of reading. This will be so much fun; I can hardly wait for the materials to get here!
Thank you so much, you have touched the lives of many children! With gratitude,
Mrs. B.
Region:
Oregon
Where is the classroom located? 
Submitted:
Feb 16, 2009
| Expires:
Jul 22, 2009
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 6-8
Teacher's funded projects:
1
Thank-you punctuality:
0%
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Marcia S. (volunteer)
on Feb 21, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Feb 22, 2009
Darlene
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
"Thank you so much for your donation! My students will really benefit from your generosity!"
The teacher Mrs. B.
on Apr 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because...reading is important!"
Nancy
gave
on Apr 16, 2009
"It amazes me at the kind spirit of strangers. Thank you for everything."
The teacher Mrs. B.
on Apr 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because reading is such an important pleasure in my life and I want these children to have every opportunity to develop their own enjoyment of books."
Krysta
gave
on Apr 17, 2009
"My students are very lucky to have people like you in this world! They will be so excited when I tell them about this donation."
The teacher Mrs. B.
on Apr 18, 2009
A donor
gave
on Apr 30, 2009
"Reading is fun and kids should be taught that it is enjoyable. I helped a latino child to learn to read when I was a teenager (many years ago) as a volunteer and I never forgot that experience. All he needed was books about things he liked and a little encouragement and help. It was wonderful!
"
Robin
from Yachats, OR
gave
on May 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am a librarian at a 5-6 elementary school and I fully understand the need to provide students with current and classic titles to engage them in the love of reading!"
Parri
gave
on May 6, 2009
"I would like for all children to love to read as much as I do. I have nieces, nephews and grandchildren who I adore. This gift is on their behalf."
Kathryn
from DeSoto, MO
gave
on May 6, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on May 6, 2009
"Thank you so much for supporting my students, I know they will grow in their reading abilities as well as their love for books!"
The teacher Mrs. B.
on May 6, 2009
The teacher Mrs. B.
on May 7, 2009
Purchased the books for Mrs. B.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on May 14, 2009
"We have completed the project and the kids had a blast! I will be posting the pictures today and sending out the letters on Wednesday. I appologize that it took an extra week but my students were bombarding me with questions!"
The teacher Mrs. B.
on Jul 14, 2009
The teacher Mrs. B.
on Aug 5, 2009
The teacher Mrs. B.
on Aug 7, 2009
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