Past projects 4
Reading is Life
Funded Apr 4, 2025It has been a wonderful morning and just made even better knowing that our project is fully funded! Thank you for your support and generosity.
I love reading and I think kids love reading when they find the books that engage them at accessible reading levels. I am so excited to replace the books from my classroom library so that future students can explore these titles. The "Who Was/Were" series will inspire students when they learn about compelling figures in history and society while books like "Yummy" and "Long Way Down" are riveting stories that have become class favorites through the years.
Again, much appreciation for thinking of my students and sharing in our love for reading :)”
With gratitude,
Ms. Au
Multicultural Art through Basket Weaving
Funded Oct 21, 2022This has been such a wonderful project! Students spent three weeks weaving their own baskets that they designed after learning about the role of baskets in Native American culture and history. Weaving is not something any of them had done before so they were curious and excited to try something new. While it was a rough start as it is not easy to teach 8th graders how to weave, this process showed me how dedicated and patient they could be. Some students even took the baskets home to work on them because they wanted to! Many students stated in their reflections that this was their favorite project because it was something utilitarian that they made themselves. Some were going to give them as Christmas presents to family members while others were planning to use them to put jewelry or other knickknacks. We all are so thrilled by the results too!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Au
Compelling Books Featuring People of Color
Funded Oct 8, 2019The Only Road introduces a protagonist as a person of color, an aspect that isn't often the case in most of the books they read in school unfortunately. While Red Glass has a white main character, the issues discussed have a cultural relevancy for my students. I wanted books for my ELD students that would interest and speak to them.
We started The Only Road as a read aloud. Many of my readers were hooked— they asked questions and made personal connections. It was amazing to hear! For these reluctant readers, they just enjoy listening to someone read to them. I can't wait to hear what they think of the novel as they finish reading it. Then it'll be on to Red Glass!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Au
The Joy of Reading
Funded Oct 9, 2017When one of my students saw the full collection of the 39 Clues series, he let out a big gasp of amazement; another student commented that she had never seen someone get that excited about books! It was just so heartwarming to witness the bright smiles and buzzing excitement of my students as they browsed through the new novels. As an English teacher, this was a big deal!
Many of my students this year, more than ever, are reluctant readers and struggle to read on their own at home. From this project, we were able to obtain two copies of many of the books requested-- books that are popular and high-interest. As a result, my students can and have paired with a reading buddy for their independent reading. Partners make weekly reading goals together and keep each other accountable about making progress on the books. They also meet up to discuss what they've read which helps with comprehension of the text. We just started this "system" with our new books last week but I am already seeing more of a desire to read and more interest in books from a number of students.
I have readers who have already finished The One and Only Ivan today, and some who are waiting to read the novel next after hearing rave reviews from their peers who had already read the book. I hear my kids recommending books to their classmates-- Wonder, Tangerine, Hunger Games have been big hits. Students are talking about what they're reading to each other, and that is powerful in their development as independent readers.
Your generosity has made such a positive impact in my classroom. These books are helping to cultivate a collaborative community of readers! I have felt invigorated knowing that many of my students are discovering that joy in reading.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Au