I am a 3rd/4th grade Bilingual teacher. My students are coming to me with a number of disadvantages. There are the typical ones such as single parent homes, drugs/violence all around them, and lack of support/materials at home.
Unfortunately it does not stop there for my kids. They are also falling behind due to language barriers, lack of content knowledge, exposure/experiences, as well as a frustration level that actually stopped some of them from learning. I am lucky enough to speak two languages. This opens the doors to any kind of future that I want. I want the same opportunities for my students.
This is my first year at this particular school, so all of the students came to me with a clear slate. I did however hear rumors about a few students. One in particular sticks in my mind now. She is very intelligent and can pick up material quickly. She chose last year not to work for the teacher. I don't know why she did this or what happened, but what I do know is that she is a grade behind and playing catch up with my third graders.
One of the ways that I get my students' attention in any classroom is by reading aloud to them. As soon as I finish a story, every student wants to read that book. I want to get my students to love reading. I act out the stories that I choose, and teach through my read alouds.
We have a very structured reading/writing curriculum that limits our time for social studies and science. In the past I have used read alouds to teach about social issues, character development, social studies, and all sciences. It is a great way to give second language learners a chance to hear someone reading in english with fluency.
On October 6, 2008, I was reading Winn Dixie with my students. We came to the part of the story where Ms. Franny Block the librarian is telling Opal about her great grandfather. He fought in the Civil War. As I read on and saw the mention of slavery, and taxes, I asked my students if they knew what slavery was. Not one of them had any idea. At that moment I realized how exciting this year will be.
There are so many things that I want to teach, and need to teach my students. So where do I begin? With read alouds that are filled with history and social issues, my students will have the opportunity to learn the language that they desperately need, in a context that makes sense. They will not only be more prepared for the never ending testing that they will have to endure for the rest of their schooling, but also be able to discuss the issues around the world, and in their communities.
I want to give my students a voice. Their families are very supportive, make sure that they are in school, and take care of them. Many of them lack the ability to be able to help their children in academic areas. Please help me do my job. They have the hunger and desire to learn. I have them....they want as much information as I can possibly give them.
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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 Ms. McCormack and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.