My classroom needs a revolving book stand for our double copy books, more tubs for our rapidly growing library, and some great read alouds to reinforce grammar.
I teach a fourth and fifth grade class in a rural, low socio-economic community, at a school that has a fully inclusive orthopedically impaired program.
Based on recent research in reading, students need to not only read independently, but also need to read out loud with a friend. For this reason, I invested in hundreds of "double copy" books so that students would be able to read the books they wanted, with a friend.
After investing in the books themselves, it became apparent that students continued in their struggle to efficiently locate the books they wanted to read. I quickly realized that simply having the books wasn't enough. They needed them organized in a kid-friendly way.
Having the tubs and book stand, along with a new set of grammar books, will allow kids some freedom in getting to make their own choices in a quick and efficient manner. It will also give them the feeling of going to a bookstore or library, in the back of their very own classroom. Choice is a powerful motivator and I know that giving them opportunity to read a book of their choosing with a friend will do wonders for their future success.
Working with kids who struggle to pay for coats in the winter, often have to move because they can't afford housing, and have told me that they're hungry because their parents can't afford breakfast, has taught me the lesson that one person CAN actually make a difference.
Everyday I get to witness first-hand the power of love, respect, and empowering our future policy makers, citizens, lawyers, teachers, and doctors. It's an investment and a choice I happily make every morning I wake up. I wish there was more that I could do to give them what they need, but there's only so much I can afford. With your help, we can ensure that my students get everything that they DESERVE, regardless of what they can afford.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Howard and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.