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Completed: Guided Reading, Guided FUN!

Classroom Photo
"My 5th grade classroom is an exciting place to be! We have a tropical island theme and lots of high energy students. However, our school is located in an urban, high-need area, and because of this, we are sometimes lacking in necessary resources.

"I Learn Island" (our nickname for the classroom) is... " MORE

"My 5th grade classroom is an exciting place to be! We have a tropical island theme and lots of high energy students. However, our school is located in an urban, high-need area, and because of this, we are sometimes lacking in necessary resources.

"I Learn Island" (our nickname for the classroom) is beset with many challenges, but also many opportunities. Inspiring students to read independently has been difficult since school started in August. However, I recently came across a class set of "Matilda," and reading it as a community has helped to motivate many of my troubled readers.

The first book we read as a class was a "Goosebumps" book. My students enjoyed it, but I had to make copies of the book every single day, and the sheer volume of copied, stapled paper coming at the students daily was a little overwhelming. Many of the students expressed how having an actual book (like we now have with "Matilda") makes them feel important and invests them more in the story. My students need class sets (23 copies per set) of 2 book titles in order to continue building our classroom reading community.

Additionally, I know that "A Wrinkle in Time" and "Becoming Naomi Leon" would enthrall my students. "A Wrinkle in Time" is a modern classic that I read when I was 12, and my students LOVE hearing about my past. Whenever we read a story I read as a kid, my students are automatically more interested. Also, "Becoming Naomi Leon" is about a girl who comes from a similar demographic and socioeconomic background as my students. Whenever students can relate literature to their own lives, they usually care more about what they are reading.

Your contribution would help me to kindle the fire of learning in a classroom full of 5th graders. Our daily chapter book-reading has helped build community, increase student passion, as well as provide students with an enjoyable outlet to dispatch the practical skills we are learning.

My students need class sets (23 copies per set) of 2 book titles: "Becoming Naomi Leon" and "A Wrinkle in Time." The cost of this proposal is $424, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

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Mr. C. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Nov 7, 2009
Dear Mrs. Bellamy, Amy, Ashley, Laura, Stan, Mia, Kathy + TJ, Julie, Amber and Anonymous Donors, 

Thank god this is a written letter, because I am truly speechless. My class is going to be SO excited to begin their new adventures with both Naomi Leon and the Murry family. Though I have a great range of reading ability in my classroom, all my students share a passion for captivating storytelling. It can be hard to accommodate a class full of children when some read on a first grade level and some read on a sixth grade level. However, our class-wide guided reading with chapter books has enabled children at ALL ability levels to enjoy classic literature together.

Every time I read a book, I feel as though I've been given the keys to a whole new universe. You have all helped to open the door to a whole new universe to a classroom full of underprivileged children, and for that, I truly thank you. :)

With gratitude,
Mr. C.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Jenie V. (volunteer) on Oct 21, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
Ryan G. (associate) on Oct 21, 2009
"I gave to this project because "A Wrinkle in Time" was one of my favorite books. I hope your class enjoys it, too. "
Kathy + TJ from Colorado gave on Oct 21, 2009
Amber from gave on Oct 21, 2009
"As parents, we support literacy education and those willing to teach and learn."
Amber from on Oct 21, 2009
" I gave to this project because when I was in elementary school I was not very comfortable with reading. It took me a long time to read a book my friends would read much faster and I got very nervous reading in front of the class. But then I started reading the Indian in the Cupboard books and I fell in love with reading. Now I love school and reading; I am studying to become a doctor and I read for fun everyday. Reading is VERY important in my life and it will be in yours too. Just keep working at it and it will change your future. And it is FUN!"
Mia from San Diego, CA gave on Oct 21, 2009
Stan from Colorado gave on Oct 22, 2009
"I gave to this project because not only am I a strong believer in education but good education is what brought me out of a very difficult home environment allowing me to be a successful independent business owner and college graduate. Best Wishes!!"
A donor gave on Oct 24, 2009
"You are all AMAZING! It's so wonderful to see people from such different walks of life contributing to one cause. It shows that education is something EVERYONE can rally around. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
The teacher Mr. C. on Oct 24, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Laura from Littleton, CO gave on Oct 25, 2009
"I read "A Wrinkle in Time" when I was your age. I loved that book so much, I have read it probably four or five more times since. I hope you all enjoy it together as much as I have!"
Ashley from Colorado gave on Oct 25, 2009
"I gave to this project because I was an elementary librarian and know how the availability of books can open a child's world. Plus, Mr. C is my son, and a wonderful teacher!"
Julie from Colorado gave on Oct 26, 2009
"I gave to this project because I want you to have all the opportunities to learn that you possibly can!"
A donor gave on Oct 31, 2009
"I read "A Wrinkle in Time" in fifth grade when it was first published. We had one copy in our school library and we ran to the library to try to be first to get to check the book out. One girl actually wrote to the author, Madeleine L' Engle, about how frustrated she was because she never to to check out the book and Ms. L'Engle sent her a copy of the book - we were SO envious. Tell your kids not to stop with this book - there is more to the Time Trilogy and the Austin Family books are wonderful as well."
Amy from Oak Park, IL gave on Nov 5, 2009
Mrs. Bellamy from Brooklyn, NY gave on Nov 6, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Nov 6, 2009
The teacher Mr. C. on Nov 7, 2009
Purchased the books for Mr. C.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member) on Nov 9, 2009
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
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