DonorsChoose.org: Teachers ask. You choose. Students learn.
An online charity connecting you to classrooms in need.

Classroom Project
home > search > results > project

Completed: Reading is FUN-damental

Classroom Photo
""We don't have any books in my house." This was an actual statement from one of my Language Arts students when asked why he did not have any reading material with him for independent reading. I was horrified. Was it lack of money or just not a priority in a neighborhood where so many are struggling ... " MORE
""We don't have any books in my house." This was an actual statement from one of my Language Arts students when asked why he did not have any reading material with him for independent reading. I was horrified. Was it lack of money or just not a priority in a neighborhood where so many are struggling to make ends meet. How can parents worry about books when they need to put food on the table? While I was saddened by the fact that reading was not a priority is this student's house, I was determined to encourage and change that. So I came up with a plan and that plan involves you.

Want to help? Here is the plan.

NY state requires all students in grades K-12 to read 25 books per school year. I decided on holding a contest to get my students to read more. The student who has read the most books over 25 in each of my Language Arts classes will be rewarded with a gift card to Barnes & Noble to get - you guessed it more books.

There are some requirements. The students must write a short book review and conference with me to verify that each book was read. I will not bore you with all of that here. Let's just say that you will be encouraging a life long hobby and skill. Hopefully this will ensure that I never again hear the phrase, "I have no books at home."

In order to encourage my students to read more than the state required 25 books this school year, I need four Barnes and Noble gift cards as a reward for the top reader in each class.

HIDE
Dec 30, 2009
Dear Trisha, 
Well, you certainly have made an impact in our Strive for More than 25 Contest! The contest has been underway for a bit more than two months now and the competition is really heating up! I'm thrilled to report that most of my struggling readers are happily competing for the gift cards that you so generously helped to fund.

Our Librarian reports that my students are eagerly keeping her apprised of who is in the lead as they check out more books than ever before. They are also asking her for suggestions on what they should get with their gift cards when they win.

The success of this contest has already surpassed my wildest dreams and it could not have happened without you. I hope you will check up on the proposal from time to time to see how the students are progressing and eventually see the result of this contest. Thank you again for your help in encouraging my students to read more.

With gratitude,
Mrs. K.

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

Oct 19, 2009
Dear Trisha, 

I can not express to the sheer delight you have given my classroom today. Once I confirmed for my students that our Strive for More than 25 Reading contest prizes had been funded, they were off - reading!

Minutes later, our school librarian called my room asking for an explanation. She wanted to know why so many students were with her and what this Strive for More than 25 contest was all about. She was thrilled to have so much business and promised to encourage all my classes to participate.

As you can see, you have really made an impact on my classes. I look forward to keeping you posted as the year goes on about their progress. Thank you again for your generosity and commitment to helping my students be all they can be, and more.

With gratitude,
Mrs. K.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Ellen C. (associate) on Oct 13, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested resources and posted this project.
Ellen C. (associate) on Oct 13, 2009
"I helped because I think all children should grow up in a house full of books, just like I did! "
A donor gave on Oct 15, 2009
"Thank you for your support."
The teacher Mrs. K. on Oct 16, 2009
"I hope this helps you to continue to inspire your students. "
Trisha from theodore, AL gave on Oct 18, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Oct 18, 2009
"Trisha, thank you so very much! My students are very excited about this contest and are already trying to win. Thank you again!"
The teacher Mrs. K. on Oct 18, 2009
Teacher MailThank You Letter posted!
The teacher Mrs. K. on Oct 19, 2009
Purchased the resources for Mrs. K.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Ellen C. (associate) on Oct 20, 2009
"The students were so excited to get the Gift Cards in the mail today! We will keep you posted on our progress!"
The teacher Mrs. K. on Oct 23, 2009
Teacher MailImpact Letter posted!
The teacher Mrs. K. on Dec 30, 2009
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
Meet the Donors (below)

+ Share Project

Support Another Project

From Mrs. K.'s Classroom:
Classroom Photo
WANTED - Technology Specialists Need An HP Laptop
$272 Needed
Help Center | About | Projects | Blog | Privacy & Terms | Store
Approved by
Featured by
National Leadership Partners
National Partners
Better Business Bureau: Accredited Charity Charity Navigator: Highest Rating
Wall Street Journal CNN NPR
U.S. Cellular Chase
HP -- SONIC Drive-In
DonorsChoose.org is open to every public school in America thanks to our expansion funders and technology supporters.

DonorsChoose.org is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. © 2000-2010 DonorsChoose.org