My students need a class set of the classic novel Island of the Blue Dolphins to teach them about California Native American Tribes and California History.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Puls's classroom raised $301
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
This year, I am so lucky to have a wonderful, amazingly curious group of fourth graders who have an inner drive to excel and a passion for learning. I teach the fourth grade Gifted and Talented Education class, and my students are truly amazing learners. They come to class excited to learn and prepared to do their best.
Armed with the thirst for knowledge, they do have obstacles outside of my classroom that they fight against every day.
My school is located in a low socioeconomic area of Anaheim, California. Most of my students live under the poverty level, receive free or reduced breakfast and lunch, and live in government subsidized housing. Hunger, overcrowded living conditions, and inadequate supplies to aid in their learning at home are all problems that these children face in their lives outside of school.
My classroom is a place where they can feel safe and supported and have tools and technology to help them master learning objectives. I also try to present these learners with as many hands-on experiences to cement the learning that happens during school hours.
My Project
The novel Island of the Blue Dolphins is an an excellent learning tool, not only because it is a Newbery Award winning children's book but because it also educates readers about California history and California Native Tribes. I like to think of it as a two-for-one payoff when reading it in class because it bridges two different areas of fourth grade curriculum---language arts and social studies.
The kids love reading this tale about a young Native girl stranded on her home island to fend for herself against nature.
It also packs a punch by fulfilling many Common Core Standards including the strands of Literature, Foundational skills, and Listening and Speaking.
Having a class set of these books will allow my class to read this story together, in small groups, or individually instead of trying to share the few tattered, taped old copies that have rotated between the three fourth grade classes at my school.
The book also creates a wonderful introduction into the California Missions as the main character goes to a mission after being rescued. I love that this one story connects so many standards and learning objectives all at once. It is truly a great learning experience that the students will love.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Puls and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
