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Completed: Whisper Phones Make Reading Fun

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" I teach in a low-income school with over 80 percent of children who are learning to speak English. Some have learning disabilities that make reading comprehension difficult. I want to incorporate materials that make reading comprehension and language learning more successful and fun for my stud... " MORE
" I teach in a low-income school with over 80 percent of children who are learning to speak English. Some have learning disabilities that make reading comprehension difficult. I want to incorporate materials that make reading comprehension and language learning more successful and fun for my students. As I was observing my new students during a free reading session, I noticed a boy reading aloud to himself. Over the following days, I observed him reading everything aloud from books to directions on math assignments. Other students began reading to themselves. While I want to encourage students to comprehend what they read, a classroom of buzzing voices made it difficult for my quieter children to concentrate. I remembered seeing phones that kids can whisper into and hear themselves. They can talk into the phones without their classmates hearing. This is the best solution to help my auditory students learn through talking to themselves while allowing my quieter ones the classroom environment more conducive to their learning styles. The phones prove useful during writing as well, because students can practice reading their stories aloud. They can hear mistakes or notice that they need punctuation so they can pause for air. The phones serve so many purposes that I am sure they will be a part of everyday learning activities.

I also include a request for fluency timers and reading comprehension games. I plan to use these to help my students have better control and independence over their learning. Students can time themselves and work to improve their reading pace during our reading lessons. The comprehension games will help students learn reading skills in a relaxed and fun environment. My ultimate goal is to have multiple tools available for teaching basic education skills. The whisper phones, timers, and games will contribute greatly to my students' successes in school.

My project needs 30 Hear Myself Phones, a set of six fluency timers, and a reading comprehension game kit. The cost of this proposal is $427, which includes shipping for any materials requested and fulfillment ?."

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Ms. P. sent this note after the project was fully funded:

Apr 8, 2008
Dear Kimberly and Lenny and Christine, 
Thank you for choosing to help support my students in their reading endeavors. I know they will appreciate the gift of reading that these materials will provide. Many of my students benefit from reading aloud to themselves. With these new supplies, I can continue to let them read aloud without worrying that they will disturb others. My self-conscious English learners will also enjoy the opportunity to practice speaking English and benefit from listening to their own pronunciations. Your gift is going to a good cause to help my eager readers gain more confidence in their skills and improve overall reading success.

On Apr 30, 2008, Ms. P. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.

Live Updates
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Jon M. (staff member) on Sep 11, 2007
Verified the cost of the requested supplies and posted this project.
Jon M. (staff member) on Sep 11, 2007
Kimberly from Auburn, CA gave on Jan 18, 2008
Lenny and Christine from San Francisco, CA gave on Apr 8, 2008
Project fully funded!
Happy news on Apr 8, 2008
The teacher Ms. P. on Apr 9, 2008
Purchased the supplies for Ms. P.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Laura L. (staff member) on Apr 10, 2008
Packaged the thank-you letters written by Ms. P.'s students and sent them on to the eligible donor(s).
Evelyn A. (staff member) on May 1, 2008
Please notify our staff of any messages or photos of concern.
Funded!
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