TEACHERS

“I’ve seen this program reach kids that are hard to reach any other way.”
-Kathleen Him, 2nd grade teacher, PS 112

“I believe that the MBS program was essential in getting our students to learn how to work together.”
- Aida Sanchez, 4th grade teacher, PS 155

“Lyric writing tied in phonemic awareness skills into an activity that held meaning in their lives.”
-Amanda Gosselin, Teacher, PS 21

“They are able to accomplish more because they've learned to be more cooperative. They recognize their differences but they know there’s nothing wrong with those differences. They learned valuable lessons they’ll need not only in school, but for a lifetime.”
-Mrs. Brutten, 1st Grade Teacher, PS 255

“When you’re taking apart conflict, protagonist and resolution of the story, you’re going deeper into the children’s thought process. The children were able to look at other pieces of literature and analyze it using those critical thinking skills.”
-Beverly Folkes-Bryant, Principal, Public School 315

“Their writing reflects their understanding of the central themes of the story, as well as their newfound ease with decision making.”
-Kathy Ferriola, 4th grade teacher, PS 199

“Several children emerged as leaders. Our English language learner was able to solve problems effectively in her group. One child went quite far in expressing her character’s emotions, which helped other children take risks. A very shy child has since emerged as an inquisitive thinker willing to ask insightful questions when others won’t.”
-Lynn Bernstein, 1st grade teacher, PS 39

STUDENTS

“Reading a book, you picture it in your head. Making a play you see it and experience it.”
- 6th grade student, PS 86

“I am learning that making mistakes is okay, and if my classmate has an opinion that is different from me, that is okay, too.  If someone has a different opinion from me, I will learn from it. I feel confident because when I am acting and I say something wrong, my class doesn’t laugh at me.”
- Amandeep, 4th grade student, PS 161

“When we get the dialogue, we try to show you, not tell you, who we are.”
- Dennis, 2nd grade student PS 177

“When I’m doing the play in front of the class, sometimes I am still nervous, but I also feel like I am able to do so much. I feel safe sharing my ideas and opinions.”
-Kevin, 4th Grade Student, PS 161

“What I like about Making Books Sing is the acting because I learn how to speak.”
-Guadalupe, 4th grade ELL student, PS 155

“I enjoyed writing down and rewriting what the students said to make their part interesting.  It helped me with my writing.”
-Natasia, 4th grade student, PS 155

“I feel proud to share my ideas for new lines for the play because I don’t want to be shy anymore.  I feel confident because when we end a scene, and I said something, the class claps their hands and I know that they liked my idea.”
-Itzel, 4th grade student, PS 161