Look It Up! (Classroom Project at DonorsChoose.org)

Look It Up!

Classroom project requested by Ms. W. on Dec 28, 2009

High Poverty

California (North)

Where is the classroom located?

"Do you remember asking someone what a word means or how to spell it, only to get the response: Look it up?! This is a popular "teacher phrase," but I am unable to utilize it in my classroom! The dictionaries in my classroom are few, old, and outdated. My students do not have access to dictionaries w..." more»

I teach multiple subjects in 4th grade at a low economic status school in California. Each day, not only do my students face hardships at home, they do not have access to some basic materials at school. As we continue to face budget cuts, teachers are expected to purchase more and more of our own supplies. We will have less and less to work with as we try to prepare our students for the future.

Some may think that using a dictionary is a useless skill since we have computers now, however, dictionary skills teach organization, curiosity, independence, as well as features of the English language such as alphabetical order and parts of speech. My students are all language learners. They speak other languages at home so exposure to English through dictionary usage would benefit them greatly. Having dictionaries in an elementary classroom should be an essential part of learning. Often, I am required to teach dictionary skills without an actual dictionary for my students to use, see, and feel.

Having new updated dictionaries would help my students and I a lot. I would be able to direct students to look up the meaning of new vocabulary on their own. They would be able to look up the spelling of words and study the parts of speech. They would have multiple opportunities to be exposed to the language conventions of English. It would save me time and increase the amount of time I spend with each student. Finally, I can tell my students to "Look it up!" instead of giving them the answer. Giving them confidence that they can be problem solvers, especially while tackling something as daunting as learning a new language in elementary school.

With your help, we can teach my students these important skills they will need for the future. You will make it possible for my students to write stories, learn new words, and appreciate the English language. hide»

My students need 15 Elementary Dictionaries and 5 Desk Dictionaries. details»

Mar 18 Elaine P a staff member at donorschoose.org

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

Feb 26 Ms. W. the Teacher

Bigger Photos

Reply to the classroom

Dear Dedy & Mia, Vivian and Phil, Alexandra and Anonymous Donors,

First off, thank you very much for taking time out to read my grant request and caring about what students in our schools need. I often write these proposals and they do not get granted. I feel so lucky to have generous friends, parents, and donors who are willing to reach out in these tough times to help a classroom full of energetic and hopeful children.

The dictionaries are bright, colorful, and full of pictures and information. My students have already used this resource multiple times and have exclaimed how cool they are. I also took my 5 old and beat up dictionaries and gave them away to children who did not have dictionaries at home. They were very happy to have them, even though they were used. It shows us that there are always others who have less than we do...

I can't express how grateful I am for your generosity. However, the gift I receive each day when I watch my students learn is the best part of my job. I want to thank you for all you have done. My students also thank you for your generosity.

With gratitude,
Ms. W.

Reply to the classroom

Feb 01 Jenni D a staff member at donorschoose.org

Purchased the books for Ms. W.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.

Jan 31 Ms. W. the Teacher

Dear Dedy & Mia, Vivian and Phil, Alexandra and Anonymous Donors,

Thank you very much for your wonderful donation to my classroom! These dictionaries are much needed. My students and I are grateful to all of you who so generously gave. More importantly, I know you gave from the heart and that really touches me. Times are hard and there are still many others who don't have the resources they need yet you went above and beyond to give back to the community.

When the new dictionaries arrive, my students will be so excited! They can share 1 between 2 instead of waiting for 1 of 6 we have in our class now. Dictionary usage will greatly improve my students' learning. It will help my language learners improve their English language skills and promote independent learning. Again, thank you for your kindness.
With gratitude,
Ms. W.

Reply to the classroom

Jan 31 DonorsChoose.org

Good news: Project fully funded!

Jan 31 A donor gave

Jan 30 Dedy & Mia from California

"For your present and future students. We are very lucky to have you in our system and we hope you know how much we appreciate your hard work!"

Jan 28 Ms. W. the Teacher

"Dear Alexandra, Thank you very much for your donation. My students will be very happy when we get our new dictionaries! You have helped us get closer to our goal! We really appreciate your generosity."

Jan 28 Alexandra from California

"I donated because I want to support kids in California (North)."

Dec 29, 2009 Ms. W. the Teacher

"Dear Vivian and Phil, Thank you very much for your generous donation. With your help, my students will embark on new adventures with words! Through scavenger word hunts, definition races, and spelling bees, we will sure have fun with these new dictionaries!"

Dec 29, 2009 Vivian and Phil from San Mateo, CA

"A dictionary is a means for a child to answer his or her own questions about pronunciation, spelling, inflections, and more. With every word looked up, the child’s knowledgebase and command of the English language broadens, along with his or her self-confidence."

Dec 29, 2009 John C an associate at donorschoose.org

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

Dec 28, 2009 Karen A 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.

Dec 28, 2009Ms. W. - Teacher

Project Details

Materials	Vendor	Price	#	Total
Merriam-Webster's Desk Dictionary	Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.	$14.95	5	$74.75
Merriam-Webster's Elementary Dictionary - Hardcover (New!)	Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.	$17.95	15	$269.25

Vendor Shipping Charges				$34.40
State Sales Tax				$24.94
3rd Party Payment Processing Fee				$5.16
Fulfillment Labor & Materials				$9.00
Project Cost Excluding Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$417.50
Optional Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$91.65
Project Cost Including Donation to Support DonorsChoose.org				$509.15
4 Donors				-$509.15
To Go				$0.00