Diverse Books for 4th Grade Social Studies

As part of the 2020 grant cycle, OEF provided a collection of diverse picture books to a 4th grade classroom, that are being used to as part of the social studies curriculum to help students understand different perspectives.

“I want students to be able to recognize different perspectives and celebrate diversity in Ohio. From learning about the prehistoric people that first came to Ohio to our government today, I want to take every chance to show multiple perspectives and highlight different cultures. Students will learn to look at historical and current events, looking for multiple perspectives.”

— Ramona Thompson, 4th Grade Teacher

We have been reading Esperanza Rising which is about a girl from Mexico who has to leave and move to the United States in the 1920's. When we are finished with this book, we will be reading Dreamers, by Yuyi Morales. This picture book purchased by the generous grant from OEF is the story of an immigrant in 1994. Students will create Venn diagrams to compare and contrast the two stories as there are many parallels in experiences and feelings between Ezperanza and Yuyi.

We are beginning our Native American Unit and we are going to use these books the OEF foundation graciously provided to help us in our studies.

This is one book we will be reading and discussing during Black History Month. So thankful to the OEF for providing quality diverse books for my classes!

OEF MATCH WEEK

OEF has an exciting opportunity; an anonymous donor willing to match the first $3,000 of donations made to OEF during the week of December 7-14, allowing donors to double the impact of their gifts!

You can help OEF continue to support Olentangy Schools by making a tax-deductible donation today. 

ZOOlentangy 2020 Cancelled

The Olentangy Education Foundation has made the decision to cancel our ZOOlentangy fundraiser this year.  While it wasn't a hard decision to make, as the health of the community is top priority, it certainly is a disappointment.   

That said, OEF is committed to continue funding teacher and staff grants in the fall.  Our ongoing goal is to enhance the education experience and promote innovation via these staff grants. In a time when teachers are forced to be innovative in how they educate their students, we are excited to see what they will come forward with in their applications this year and look forward to supporting them in this unprecedented time. 

If you are in a position to make a donation, or fund a grant this year, donations can be made online here, or mailed to the address below.  

Otherwise, please mark your calendar for August 13, 2021 – as we are already looking forward to next year’s ZOOlentangy!