A strong foundation for literacy is critical for our students as they develop into readers and writers. What better way to encourage these young scholars than to provide them with a means to create their own inspiration and engagement in the form of an indoor literacy garden.

This project will begin with students collaborating to plan, grow, and care for an indoor tabletop garden based upon a reading of the book “The Empty Pot” by Demi. In this Chinese folktale, children seek to gain the Emperor’s favor by growing flowers for his beautiful garden. Students will work together to create their own version of the Emperor’s garden. They will then find in this garden inspiration for their own poetry, expository, persuasive, narrative, and descriptive writing. Activities completed as a result of this project will help to increase students’ skills in reading, following written directions, writing, communication, planning and executing a long-term project, and collaboration. Students will also feel a sense of pride as what they create will have a direct impact on their own and others’ learning.

Fulfillment of this dream would enhance quality in my classroom by providing a student planned area of inspiration and relaxation. It would give students a place to observe, think, and feel.

Fund this Dream for $472.70.