My students need series books in their class library to help them focus on the comprehension of a story with characters and in many cases, settings they are familiar with.
"These little lights of mine, Won't you help me to let them shine?" ...and grow into our leaders of tomorrow...
My students live in a high poverty area and in this setting there is a tendency for low academic achievements. It is extremely hard to teach the key components of reading comprehension, and story elements to students who may be hungry, tired, and emotionally disturbed due to a lack of these basic needs being met.
Series books can help children to focus more on the events in a story as they unravel when they feel as if they already know the characters and in some aspects the setting, or background of a story. To them its like catching up with a friend, or visiting a favorite cousin. As a teacher I can build on their prior knowledge and encourage them to dig deeper focusing on more in depth concepts such as the author's purpose, using context clues to understanding word meanings, and understanding figurative language. The books I have requested are realistic fictional stories where the characters are "problem solvers." This will help and encourage my students, who have limited resources and little parental help and involvement(whether unwilling or unable) to be independent problem solvers.
It is the series books that my students always want more of, I go to used book stores and yard sales often always in search of books to add to my class. One of my greatest rewards was when a student that doesn't love reading, came in after a long weekend off with two books from one of the series I have requested, and looked at me with shinning eyes and said,"I was so excited to find these at the flea market, this weekend that I put back the toy my grandma was going to buy me so that I could buy them instead!" Needless to say I was in tears and full of pride for this child, but even better she was shinning in pride for herself. Please help me to provide more of my shinning stars with the tools they need to brighten their future.
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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. Cotter and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
