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Completed: Puppets Bring Books to Life!

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"I teach second grade at a public, charter elementary school in California where our motto is "College? Claro!" (or "College? Of Course!"). This motto is one aspect of an all-encompassing school culture we call "College for Certain." Many of our students -- of whom 100 percent are students of color, ... " MORE
"I teach second grade at a public, charter elementary school in California where our motto is "College? Claro!" (or "College? Of Course!"). This motto is one aspect of an all-encompassing school culture we call "College for Certain." Many of our students -- of whom 100 percent are students of color, 78 percent are English Learners, and 93 percent receive free or reduced lunch -- would not otherwise envision higher education as part of their futures. Readying them for middle school, high school, and eventually college requires a rigorous academic program integrating reading, writing, math, science, social studies, physical education, and the arts.

Many of my students are struggling readers. Some lack sufficient vocabulary to understand and retell stories at their grade level. Others are struggling to master story structure. Two have reading disabilities which make it difficult for them to access visual information. Still others struggle to stay engaged in reading. All need multi-sensory, interactive, and entertaining ways to engage with literature.

My students love any activity that brings books to life. A puppet theater with a collection of diverse puppets will enable them to engage with literature in stimulating, interactive ways. In partners, they will dramatize the stories we have read in class. They will gain practice describing characters and settings, using relevant vocabulary, sequencing important events, and reflecting on story themes. Importantly, they will rely on printed text to inspire their puppet shows, thus developing their skill with the printed word while seeing it as a doorway to having fun. Students who are aural, kinesthetic, and interpersonal learners will benefit from the opportunity to interact with text using more than just visual cues. The puppet theater will empower my students to access their creativity and practice academic language as they present their shows to others.

Your support will make it possible for all of my students -- and especially my struggling readers -- to both experience the joys of reading and develop essential skills. Most importantly, from their perspective, you will make it possible for them to "play pretend" to their hearts' content!

My students need 1 table top puppet theater and 3 sets of diverse people puppets. The cost of this proposal is $257, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

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Ms. S. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Nov 6, 2009
Dear irv and ellen zucker, Thomas, Amy Kuschel Bride, David and Karen Kehlet, Ari, Kathy and Satya, 

Thank you so much for your donation to this Puppet Theater project. I am overwhelmed by your generosity and commitment to helping provide my students with the best possible education. It is wonderful to feel a shared commitment to bringing literature to life.

The puppets and puppet theater that you have provided will enable my students to apply their ingenuity to dramatizing familiar stories. As they do so, they will develop essential vocabulary, improve their fluency, and practice literary analysis. I am betting, however, that they will hardly notice the hard work that is necessary, as they will be having so much fun!

Thank you again for supporting the use of multiple learning modalities to teach my students to read. I cannot wait to share this resource with my colleagues and, of course, my students.

With gratitude,
Ms. S.

Photos coming soon!

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Amani A. (volunteer) on Oct 31, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Shira N. (associate) on Nov 1, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe in enriching the experience of children "
irv and ellen zucker from California gave on Nov 2, 2009
"Ms. S, this project sounds amazing -- please, please keep up the good work!"
Ari from California gave on Nov 3, 2009
David and Karen Kehlet gave on Nov 6, 2009
Thomas gave on Nov 6, 2009
Satya from Menlo Park, CA gave on Nov 6, 2009
Amy Kuschel Bride gave on Nov 6, 2009
Kathy from Malden, MA gave on Nov 6, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Nov 6, 2009
The teacher Ms. S. on Nov 6, 2009
Purchased the supplies for Ms. S.'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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From Ms. S.'s Classroom:
$431 Needed

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