• 2007-2008 Evaluation Results
• 2006-2007 Evaluation Results
• 2005-2006 Evaluation Results
• 2004-2005 Evaluation Results
• 2003-2004 Evaluation Results
• 2002-2003 Evaluation Results

Barrel of Monkeys Evaluation Results - 2007/2008

TEACHER EVALUATIONS

100% of teachers surveyed wrote that they would like BOM back in their classroom

“It is a unique experience that enriches not only my kids’ writing but also their life experience.”
–Catherine Askew, Reavis

100% of teachers wrote that they would recommend BOM to other classroom teachers

“Yes! I would recommend this program to others. BOM is a fun, interactive program that has a group of talented adults who want children to have fun learning.”
–Elva Smith, Dewey

100% of teachers wrote that they saw an improvement in their students’ ability and willingness to initiate new ideas

“[BOM] helped [my students] in gaining confidence in their writing and their creativity and motivation.”
–Martha Martinez, Little Village

93% of teachers wrote that BOM supported their efforts in the classroom

“[BOM] broadened connections and background in language arts.”
–Tracy Strasser and Carly Jugenitz, Stockton

87% of teachers wrote that BOM improved the writing skills of their students

“I love how [BOM] made learning fun. My students did not realize that they were learning to become better writers.”
–Margarita Vazquez, Field

87% of teachers wrote that BOM improved the leadership skills of their students

80 % of teachers wrote that BOM boosted the self-confidence of their students

“Introverted kids came out a lot more and my academically challenged kids benefited a great deal”
–Eileen Schmeisser, Bridge School

80% of the teachers wrote that BOM boosted their students confident in the their writing abilities

“BOM are able to teach skills that allow the students to be great all around writers, not just great test taking writers.”
–Olivia Bredenkamp, Cleveland

73% of the teachers wrote that BOM improved their students abilites to express themselves

“I believe the program has truy changed the life of many of my students because they all love to write and act now.”
–Margarita Vazquez, Field

STUDENT EVALUATIONS

97% of the students surveyed said that they would like BOM to return to their classroom

“You were totally awesome, terrific, fabulous, fantastic, exciting and funny!... and that was totally the best school day in my whole big giant life. Thanks, that really made me really happy.”
–Jakub, Bridge

“Y’all have made me a better person.”
–Montreanna, Dewey

“I have to say, we’re lucky, because not a lot of people get to have a great and fantastic people like the Barrel of Monkeys come to their school”
–Codi, Cleveland

85% of the students wrote that they had fun working with their classmates while BOM was there

“I had so much fun writing the stories…with other kids from my class and now I am not that shy to work with other kids.”
–Kimberly, Cleveland

82 % of the students wrote that they had fun with BOM

“You make writing fun and funny. You are fantastic and very creatively inspiring to us.”
–Caleb, Cleveland

“Every Wednesday, I woke up knowing something exciting was going to happen.”
–Ryan, Bridge

78% of the students wrote that they like writing more since working with BOM

“Since the program I have been inspired to write more and use my imagination and be creative”
–Paige, Loyola Park

“Just to let you all know, I’m going to keep writing stories in my journal.”
–Jacqueline, Chalmers

69% of the students wrote that they like acting more since working with BOM

“I didn’t like acting before, because I was too shy, but when you guys came, you made me feel better so now I love to act.”
–Tiara, Bridge

“I am glad that you show me not to be shy when I act or when I am reading and presenting something.”
–Claudia, Little Village

62% of the students wrote that they feel more comfortable sharing their ideas since working with BOM

“I enjoyed sharing ideas and acting in front of everyone”
–Sarah, Cleveland

“What I loved about BOM was when we had our opinions about things.”
–Laura, Chalmers

65% of the students said that they were happy while BOM was in their classroom

“I think that Barrel of Monkeys is a cool program because it teaches students new things but at the same time the students are having fun.”
–Jocelyne, Little Village Academy

48% wrote that BOM made them feel talented

“I loved being a part of your team. My mom says that she wants me to be a future monkey. What do you think? Do I got what it takes?”
–Sebastien, Little Village

42% of the students wrote that that BOM made them feel funny

“When you performed all of our stories, I could not stop laughing! I had so much fun!”
–Destiny, Bridge

A third of the students wrote that BOM made them feel proud of themselves and smart

“My whole class misses you, you gave us the courage to write and imagine what we can do.”
–Jawwad, Field School

“Thank you guys for making me smart”
–Daniel, Bridge

PARENT EVALUATIONS

95% of the parents from our Loyola Park After School program surveyed said that their children were more confident in their ideas and abilities since attending BOM’s program

“He’s not afraid to throw out weird ideas to be considered. He likes to perform for others.”

90% of the parents wrote that their children were more sef-confident since attending BOM’s program

“[My son has learned] his self confidence and ability to stand up in front of people and speak… He is a strong leader in school.”

“[I have noticed that my son] is very confident now!”

85% of the parents wrote that their children think more creatively since attending BOM’s program

[Does your child think more creatively than he did at the beginning of the program?] "Absolutely! It’s great to know the sky’s the limit!”

“I like that you let the kids be silly and have a voice. I like that the kids all support each other.”

85% of the parents wrote that their children enjoyed reading and writing more since attending BOM’s program

“My son enjoys writing in an environment where meaning is more important than punctuation.”

67% of the parents wrote that their children work better in groups since BOM’s program

“[My son has learned] to be free in his writing and uninhibited on stage and to work in groups.”