As a 30 year veteran teacher, I had to write in response to the 2 comments made earlier. Ignorance needs to be addressed. I'm guessing this article represents the conclusion to several weeks of study on a wonderful novel, Family Under the Bridge. We read the same book in Texas. The book teaches challenging vocabulary, information about another country, facts about another culture, and glimpses into life situations. It is a story about hope. The children will probably remember this novel for many years. The blankets represent a hands-on experience these students will always remember, and it was a wonderful opportunity to help their community. Everyone should recognize that it only happened after a teacher spent hours writing a proposal for grant money and did it months in advance of this novel study. She cared very much about the curriculum. She cared about her students' achievement. She didn't give them only worksheets to study about this novel. Way to go!