"I teach 7th Grade Language Arts in a rural K-8 school in Arizona. We are in an area of high financial need in a rapidly growing district that has been unable to keep up with the impending urbanization. I believe that vocabulary development is an essential factor in developing strong, capable, life...
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"I teach 7th Grade Language Arts in a rural K-8 school in Arizona. We are in an area of high financial need in a rapidly growing district that has been unable to keep up with the impending urbanization. I believe that vocabulary development is an essential factor in developing strong, capable, lifelong learners. Studies continue to show that simply exposing children to a large variety of challenging words is a foundational step in future successes. This is a philosophy I fully espouse and openly strive to turn my students into full fledged "Word Nerds," like me. That is, I want them to love words and the empowerment they can give an individual.
My classroom has a handful of obsolete dictionaries that are in various states of tatter, from torn covers to entire letter-sections missing. I am in the unique situation of teaching in the same district I grew up in, and I remember using some of these dictionaries when I was a student 17 years ago. Though I use a wide variety of project-based learning activities to build my students' vocabularies, the beginning step is absolutely dependent on a good, up-to-date dictionary. I need a classroom set of Intermediate Dictionaries that are complete and comprehensive, and, at the very least, are in one piece! I need the peace of mind that comes with knowing that when I tell a student to "look it up," that they can. Without the necessary resources, the goal of self-direction and authentic learning is an impossibility. You are the gatekeepers to a better world for our students. With your help, their already voracious appetites for knowledge can grow into a frenzy of learning. Thank you for your consideration, and your dedication to fostering our future world leaders!
My 25 diverse and knowledge-hungry students need good, thorough dictionaries to enhance their awesome budding vocabularies.
The cost of this proposal is $652, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment  ."
HIDE
Mr. H. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Nov 4, 2009
Dear Thane, Carolyn, Rachel and Erik, Patricia, Aunt Sally, Brent, Vicky, Wayne, Daniel Keleher, Rachel & Erik, Terri Horton, Ross and Michael G,
You have made an important contribution to the future of our world. I cannot begin to explain the difference you have made in the lives of kids. Thank you for your compassion and your belief in my students. These materials will be used daily to support the growth of my word-hungry learners. Their opportunities in life are now richer because you cared enough to give. Thank you. With gratitude,
Mr. H.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Arizona
Where is the classroom located?
Submitted:
Oct 16, 2009
| Expires:
Mar 22, 2010
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
JoEllen S. (volunteer)
on Oct 16, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
Scott C. (associate)
on Oct 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe in Literacy education and the children of Buckeye"
Carolyn
from Arizona
gave
on Oct 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because I once taught English in this area (I even taught English and drama to your teacher). Though I am now retired, I have a vested interest in your education--especially English--and I hope that Mr. Hayes instills in you the love of language and learning which returned him to the classroom, this time on the other end of the chalk. Matriculate! (Look it up.)"
Vicky
from Buckeye, AZ
gave
on Oct 17, 2009
Brent
from Arizona
gave
on Oct 18, 2009
"I appreciate the update on how the funding is going. I tried to list others from my email contact list to send project "Look It Up," but for some reason it would not forward my message to them. I'd be willing to try aqain if I knew what prevented it in the first place...?"
Vicky
from Buckeye, AZ
on Oct 18, 2009
"I gave to this project because I am a teacher
and I know how hard it is to personally fund your classroom each year. Good luck!!"
Aunt Sally
from South Carolina
gave
on Oct 23, 2009
"Thanks everyone. Going great so far! This is do-able!"
The teacher Mr. H.
on Oct 23, 2009
"I donated because I want to support children and their teachers who care."
Ross
from Casa Grande, AZ
gave
on Oct 25, 2009
"I gave to this project because we should do whatever we can to encourage children to learn and support dedicated teachers. "
Patricia
from Arizona
gave
on Oct 25, 2009
"We donated because we believe in Mr. H. and want to support his work with bright, creative students. These students deserve to have excellent, updated resources to maximize their learning."
Denny and Lauren
from Buckeye, AZ
gave
in honor of Rachel and Erik
on Oct 31, 2009
"I gave to this project because I think words are pretty important, and because supporting dynamic young teachers who are making big differences with few resources is ALWAYS worthwhile."
Daniel Keleher
from California
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
Carolyn
from
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because when I was growing up my dictionary wasn't just a book -- it was friend. There is no more powerful tool a student can have than a well turned phrase, a powerful sentiment or a meaningful thought expressed eloquently."
Wayne
from California
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because with the right materials and a great teacher like Mr H you guys can be truly enlightened! Have Fun! P.s I'm english of course i love this language!"
Michael G
from London,
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because I have had the honor of teaching with Jed and I know the amazing influence he has on his students and neccesary supplies can only benefit those students even more. :)"
Terri Horton
from Arizona
gave
on Nov 3, 2009
"I gave to this project because my mom is right--my husband and I been incredibly blessed with the education we received growing up, and we want to help other kids have that same opportunity."
Rachel & Erik
from Bellevue, WA
gave
on Nov 4, 2009
"I gave to this project because my pal Wayne Watkins mentioned it on Facebook and it seemed like a very effective way of supporting a project I truly believe in, which is literacy education. I've made my living as a professional writer, and I've cracked the spines of a fair number of dictionaries over the years. I hope your experience with them will prove to be as valuable as mine has.
As my mom told me when I was a kid, "When in doubt, look it up." It's some of the best advice I ever got. And soon, you'll have something to look it up in.
P.S. I know I ended that last sentence in a preposition, which is not generally considered appropriate, but sometimes it's the least inelegant way to speak your piece. "
Thane
from Inglewood, CA
gave
on Nov 4, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Nov 4, 2009
The teacher Mr. H.
on Nov 4, 2009
Purchased the books for Mr. H.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on Nov 4, 2009
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