You Wouldn't Want to Miss Out on History! (Classroom Project at DonorsChoose.org)

You Wouldn't Want to Miss Out on History!

Classroom project requested by Mrs. C. on Nov 3, 2009

Moderate Poverty

North Carolina

Where is the classroom located?

"What if kids could learn about American history by reading short informational books written in a silly, quirky style? Textbooks can be dry and boring, but the study of American history should be exciting!

I have a wonderful class of 5th graders who love to read fiction, but who aren't quite as m..." more»

I have a wonderful class of 5th graders who love to read fiction, but who aren't quite as motivated to read nonfiction. They are with me for all subjects, and I enjoy integrating Social Studies and Literacy. This year we will be studying American history, and I just discovered a series of informational history books that I know my students will love. All of the titles start with "You Wouldn't Want to ..." and they focus on the challenges faced throughout history. The titles include "You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party" and "You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist." The pages are filled with animated characters and tidbits of information about each event or time period.

To implement my project, I'll need 2 copies of 15 different American History titles. I plan to pair my students to form American History Study Buddies, and I'll let each pair select a book to read. They will read it together so they can discuss all the funny and amazing details. Then they'll complete a graphic organizer to summarize the information they learn. After they finish, they'll return their books to the shelf and choose another one. Students will be required to read at least 5 of the 15 books by the end of the project. As a culminating activity, they'll work with a team to create a short skit from one of the books.

Please considering contributing to our project! Your donation will enable my class to learn about the amazing hardships faced throughout history. By reading aloud with partners, my students will also improve their nonfiction reading skills. Best of all, they will learn that nonfiction books can be just as exciting as fiction books! hide»

My students need a set of American history books from the series entitled "You Wouldn't Want to..." that includes 2 copies each of 15 different titles. details»

May 05 Dianna D an intern at donorschoose.org

Packaged the thank-you letters written by Mrs. C.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).

Apr 29 Mrs. C. the Teacher

Bigger Photos

Reply to the classroom

Dear Allen, The Haverkates, Jennifer, Leah and Laura Candler,

Thank you so much for contributing to my project, You Wouldn't Want to Miss Out on History. Due to your generosity, we received 30 books from the "You Wouldn't Want to Be" series. These books are on a variety of history topics, including You Wouldn't Want to Be a Mammoth Hunter and You Wouldn't Want to Be a Woman's Suffragist. I ordered 2 copies of each book so that the students could read them together with a partner.

I wish you could have been in our classroom to see how much my students loved reading those books together! During that time, they learned so much about history. Unlike other Social Studies books, these books are fun and engaging because they have cartoon pictures, and they show unusual challenges faced by settlers and other historical figures. Even though they are written in a cartoon style, the books are not easy to read. However, all of my students did well since they were reading with a partner. Some of the books were a bit gory, but those turned out to be the favorite titles!

At the end of the unit, students chose partners and together they created a skit based on a section from one of the books. They had to summarize the key historical information from the book, write a script, create props, and present their skits. We've laughed together and had so much fun learning with this project! On our DonorsChoose page you can see some of the photos of my students reading together and presenting their skits.

Thanks again for your generous donation. Sometimes Social Studies can be a bit dry, but these books have made the last few weeks unforgettable for us. You have truly made a difference in the lives of my fifth graders!

With gratitude,
Mrs. C.

Reply to the classroom

Jan 05 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Purchased the books for Mrs. C.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Dec 5, 2009 Mrs. C. the Teacher

Dear Allen, The Haverkates, Jennifer, Leah and Laura Candler,

Thank you all so much for your generous donations to our class project, You Wouldn't Want to Miss Out on History! My class will be so excited when I share the news that our project was fully funded! They love the books in the "You Wouldn't Want to Be" series, and they will learn so much about American History as we carry out the project. Sometimes history books can be dry and boring, and this series makes history fun and exciting!

The timing was perfect for having our project funded. Our books should arrive after the holidays, and we can get right to work on implementing our project. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures so you can share in our excitement. Thanks again for your generosity! Your donation will make a difference in the lives of my students!

With gratitude,
Mrs. C.

Reply to the classroom

Dec 5, 2009 DonorsChoose.org

Good news: Project fully funded!

Dec 5, 2009 Allen from Florida

"I gave to this project because .....we should all invest more in education. Our children and grandchildren will soon lead our country, and they will need a sound education in order to provide sound leadership. The earlier it starts, the better!"

Dec 4, 2009 Mrs. C. the Teacher

"Your donation is greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!"

Dec 4, 2009 Laura Candler gave

Dec 4, 2009 Mrs. C. the Teacher

"Thank you so much for your gift! My students will really enjoy the books."

Dec 3, 2009 The Haverkates gave from Fayetteville, NC

Nov 8, 2009 Mrs. C. the Teacher

"Leah, I appreciate your donation. We are one step closer to our goal because of your kindness."

Nov 7, 2009 Leah from North Carolina

"I gave to this project because education is important!"

Nov 6, 2009 Mrs. C. the Teacher

"Jennifer, thank you so much for your donation! Your contribution is the first step towards success for our class project!"

Nov 6, 2009 Jennifer gave from North Carolina

Nov 5, 2009 Shira N an associate at donorschoose.org

Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.

Nov 3, 2009 Amy B a volunteer at donorschoose.org

Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.

Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.

Nov 3, 2009Mrs. C. - Teacher

Project Details

Materials	Vendor	Price	#	Total
You Wouldn't Want to Sail on the Titanic!: One Voyage You'd Rather Not Make David Stewart, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Work on the Railroad!: A Track You'd Rather Not Go Down Ian Graham, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Live in a Wild West Town! Peter Hicks, David Antram (Illustrator)	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn?t Want to Sail on the Mayflower! A Trip That Took Entirely Too Long Peter Cook, Kevin Whelan (Illustrator)	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Colonist!: A Settlement You'd Rather not Start Jacqueline Morley, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Mammoth Hunter!: Dangerous Beasts You'd Rather Not Encounter John Malam, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Sail with Christopher Columbus!: Uncharted Waters You'd Rather Not Cross Fiona Macdonald, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be at the Boston Tea Party!: Wharf Water Tea, You'd Rather Not Drink Peter Cook, David Antram (Illustrator), Designed by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Salem Witch!: Bizarre Accusations You'd Rather Not Face Jim Pipe, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be on Apollo 13!: A Mission You'd Rather Not Go On Ian Graham, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Viking Explorer!: Voyages You'd Rather Not Make Andrew Langley, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Suffragist!: A Protest Movement That's Rougher Than You Expected Fiona MacDonald, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be an American Pioneer! Jacqueline Morley, David Antram (Illustrator)	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90
You Wouldn't Want to Be a Civil War Soldier!: A War You'd Rather Not Fight Thomas Ratliff, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$7.96	2	$15.92
You Wouldn't Want to Sail on a 19th-Century Whaling Ship!: Grisly Tasks You'd Rather Not Do Peter Cook, David Salariya, David Antram, David Antram (Illustrator), Created by David Salariya	Barnes and Noble	$8.95	2	$17.90

Vendor Shipping Charges				$26.65
State Sales Tax				$11.33
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee				$4.00
Fulfillment Labor & Materials				$9.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$317.50
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$69.70
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$387.20
5 Donors				-$387.20
To Go				$0.00