"Gossip soaks through a middle school like gasoline from a rusty can. And, as with spilled gasoline, the effects can be explosive. My students---reluctant readers at high risk of dropping out---easily appreciate the power of a few ugly words scrawled across a bathroom door. I'd like to use this app...
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"Gossip soaks through a middle school like gasoline from a rusty can. And, as with spilled gasoline, the effects can be explosive. My students---reluctant readers at high risk of dropping out---easily appreciate the power of a few ugly words scrawled across a bathroom door. I'd like to use this appreciation to help get them reading.
In my urban middle school, we've built a comfortable multi-grade classroom in which older students can become readers. "Sticks and Stones" is a low-readability high-interest book that seizes attention and makes kids think about the destructive power of gossip.
This is a book that gets passed around. Unfortunately, we have only one copy and it is WORN OUT! A class set of this book will make shared in-class reading possible for each of my four Language Arts classes. We'll also use the book as a springboard for a Socratic Circle discussion of the power of hurtful language and policies used to prevent cyberbullying.
"Sticks and Stones" is a unforgettable book about a topic that matters to my students. Your contribution will help us become both better readers and wiser human beings.
My students need 22 copies of "Sticks and Stones" by Beth Goobie and 8 copies of the Spanish translation "El Que Diran."
See Ms. L.'s class participating in this project!
(Enlarge photos)
Jan 9, 2010
Dear Timothy, Jacqueline and Laura,
Returning to school after Winter Break can be tough; it's not uncommon to have students nodding off at their desks as they struggle to adapt to the early morning rise once again. Your generous gift, however, provided us with an exciting lift that kept us awake and learning from our very first day back!
We've had a wonderful time sharing Sticks and Stones, the book you helped us buy. Students hurry into class to get started on reading. We've been using it with shared reading, paired reading, and individual reading; it's a popular choice no matter how we read. We've had one great discussion after another, as we explore its themes of bullying and destructive rumors. Students say the best thing about this book is that, although it is funny and entertaining, it also seems real. Reading it is helping them explore choices they are making on a daily basis in middle school.
Thank you so much for helping my middle school students become avid readers.
With gratitude, Ms. L.
Ms. L. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Nov 27, 2009
Dear Timothy, Jacqueline and Laura,
What a fantastic surprise to hear that our class will be able to read Sticks and Stones together in the near future! This book has been a huge hit with students who have been able to get their hands on a single copy; it's bound to be a popular read for our whole class. In this year of shrinking budgets and cut programs, it is especially wonderful to have your support. Thank you so much.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Linda L. (volunteer)
on Oct 17, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
Scott C. (associate)
on Oct 18, 2009
"I gave to this project because my daughter is a student at Brogden and I admire you for submitting a proposal to help her fellow students. Saw the link on the home page, great idea!"
Laura
from Durham, NC
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
"Thank you for your contribution! The students and I are looking forward to reading this book together soon."
The teacher Ms. L.
on Oct 29, 2009
"I helped because I support education in North Carolina."
Jacqueline
from Durham, NC
gave
on Nov 20, 2009
"Thank you so much for your support. Our kids need everyone's support!"
The teacher Ms. L.
on Nov 21, 2009
"I gave to this project because books were the most important and fun part of my education and I want to help make sure that students in Durham have good books to read."
"Wonderful! That makes me remember how much fun I had reading good books when I was in middle school."
Timothy
from Durham, NC
on Jan 11, 2010
"Timothy,
Student letters and photos are on the way. We're interrupting our reading of the new book briefly---for Reading Benchmarks!---and then back to finish off this great read."
"Thanks for posting the pictures. It's nice to see your students' happy and friendly faces. Your classroom looks like a nice place, too. I remember how much I enjoyed the time I spent reading in the classroom when I was that age. Best wishes!"
Timothy
from Durham, NC
on Jan 22, 2010
"I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. We finished the book this week and did some assessment activities. It's been wonderful to see how much the kids have learned from this one novel."
The teacher Ms. L.
on Jan 22, 2010
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Ms. L.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).
Timmeka P. (intern)
on Jan 27, 2010
"I received the thank you notes from your students today. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading them! I was gratified to see that they used their best penmanship and spelling, and some of the notes were even decorated with pictures. Thanks for giving me an opportunity to contribute. Please give my best regards to your students."
Timothy
from Durham, NC
on Feb 1, 2010
"I'm glad you enjoyed the thank you letters. We are working hard on literacy skills---and it was nice to have a real-life writing project to work with in class."
The teacher Ms. L.
on Feb 1, 2010
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Linda L. (volunteer)
on Oct 17, 2009
Laura
from Durham, NC
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
