Helping the Humane Society
While reading Where the Red Fern Grows, my students wanted to save up money to buy a dog. I said that we couldn't buy a dog, but we could help dogs in need. We all decided to raise money to donate to the Humane Society in our area.
I told them that if each class raised at least twenty dollars (the amount Billy earns in the book), I would buy them each a soda pop (like the marshal bought Billy in the book). They were so excited and competitive. My two seventh grade reading classes raised over $200.
The Humane Society said that we could work out a field trip so the students can see the animals they are helping. I was extremely moved by the compassion and pride this brought out in my students.