I teach a blended third and fourth grade classroom. The majority of my students receive free lunch, as well as breakfast and many come in after school for dinner too. These students do not come to school with the most basic supplies of notebooks, paper, pencils, etc. Many of them speak different languages at home. They do not have many books at home to read and many do not experience reading at home enough to keep up with necessary reading skills. This is very much a high-needs community.
Many of my students come to school lacking necessary social, let alone academic skills. They come to school with a lot of negative baggage about what they witness or in which they are caught that spills into their general attitude at school. Sometimes they are just hungry and tired. Motivation to do work is low.
I am creating "Alive! Discovery Center" to get their attention. Part 1 is about obtaining animals. My students love animals. They enjoyed a dog visitor we had from the local animal shelter and they get a kick out of the worm bin we have in class. They will appreciate more visible animals even more. This is the initial and more visible hook for the learning.
However, my students have varying degrees of reading ability. Many of those who can read, do not. All of my students face high-stakes reading tests. In fifth grade, they will also take a state science test. Many of the passages on the reading test are nonfiction, but like most districts, our adopted reading curriculum includes very little nonfiction. I do have some nonfiction books in my classroom, but I need a large infusion if I really want the greatest chance of success for my students.
I need a collection of leveled nonfiction books for my students to be able to pick up and read. Some of these books are for guided reading groups, as well as for independent reading choices. With the live animals and classroom activities and discussions, students will become interested in reading more about what they become interested in.
During our reading block, they will also have the opportunity to practice nonfiction comprehension skills which will make them better and more efficient readers. It will also help prepare them for the state tests and beyond.
They will really appreciate, experience and understand the importance of reading and learning about the world of which they are an important part.
Helping us now will make it possible for my students to become better motivated, more engaged, and successful learners. They will be more likely to actively search out future opportunities that will lead to scholarships and higher education. These students are our future and we owe it to them, as well as to ourselves to make sure they have every chance to be great contributors to our society. Besides, I really like them I know you would too.
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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 Mr. Kavanagh and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.