"I teach 8th grade Reading and Social Studies in a high-poverty, high-needs, high-optimism, and high-love urban classroom. Although we face more learning obstacles than the average classroom, we rise above with patience, creativity, and kindness. Despite the good intentions of our high-optimism, hig...
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"I teach 8th grade Reading and Social Studies in a high-poverty, high-needs, high-optimism, and high-love urban classroom. Although we face more learning obstacles than the average classroom, we rise above with patience, creativity, and kindness. Despite the good intentions of our high-optimism, high-love classroom, we are faced with a daunting challenge: more than half of the students in my class lag two to six years behind grade level. To no fault of their own, my students have severe gaps in their ability to read and comprehend literature. When an 8th grader reads at a 2nd grade level several problems typically arise. For instance, low readers often disguise their embarrassment with behavior problems. In some cases, low readers stare glossy-eyed at babyish picture books or they mentally shut off as they wear those puffy, large earphones while a crackly voice reads choppy "Dick and Jane" or "See Spot Run" stories on an audiobook. Struggling readers are often neglected as many teachers believe that they have fallen too far behind to catch up to their performing peers.
I disagree. It is never too late to teach someone to read. Through my Masters' degree research and close work with a reading specialist, I have seen students' reading levels dramatically increase within very short periods of time. One Best Practice that contributes to closing the achievement gap is simple: sparking students' interest in reading. In order to do this, I allow students to sit at laptops and listen to engaging titles on audiobooks that I have purchased on iTunes. How will low readers become excited and engaged in "Dick and Jane" and other juvenile stories that further isolate them from their peers? They won't. In order for non-readers to emulate the sounds of "good" readers they need exposure to the pace, intonation, volume, and pitch of good readers. However, due to budget cuts, our classroom laptops are no longer available for daily use. When students return in the fall our independent reading program will no longer serve the needs of every student in the class.
Students in my classroom, particularly struggling readers, will greatly benefit from three classroom iPods to use during their daily independent reading time. Students will follow along to teenage-friendly bestsellers such as Twilight, Tears of a Tiger, Holes and many more. I want the very best for my students. I must make up for lost time that has allowed many students to fall years behind their peers. All students deserve equal access to exceptional education. As an educator, I will go to any length to ensure that I am meeting every individual's needs. iPods may seem lavish, even unnecessary to some people; however, I am heartfelt and confident that 3 classroom iPods will profoundly impact my students' reading scores, and, much more importantly, their lifelong love of literature. Thank you.
My students need 3 iPod Nanos to listen to audiobooks during independent reading.
HIDE
Ms. H. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Oct 28, 2009
Dear Rob, Adam, and Gretchen, Amanda, Felipe, Deborah, Pam and Meri, Diana, Bridget, mph, Julie, Kathy, Sara, Jackson, Renee, HP and Anonymous Donor,
I cannot thank you enough for your generous donations to our 8th grade classroom. Our independent reading program is the cornerstone of our classroom. Despite our packed schedule and the unspoken pressure to prepare students for state tests, we make time to read at least 30 minutes every day. When the lights are dimmed and the mood is set, students are pushing themselves to finish books. The joy I felt when a student said, "Ms. H., this is the first class that where I have finished a book," is truly indescribable. As a teacher, our independent reading program is one of my greatest accomplishments. I know I cannot change students' educational histories; I cannot change that some students grew up without bedtime stories or teenage book series; however, I am committed to fostering a love of reading. Your donations towards a classroom set of iPods are going to help students improve their reading fluency. Our iPods will level the playing field and ensure that every student has access to the most engaging titles. On behalf of our entire classroom, and many classrooms in years to come, thank you. With gratitude,
Ms. H.
Photos coming soon!
Region:
Illinois (Chicago)
Where is the classroom located? 
Submitted:
Jul 13, 2009
| Expires:
Dec 19, 2009
Additional Details
Level:
Grades 6-8
Teacher's funded projects:
2
Thank-you punctuality:
100%
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Amanda X. (volunteer)
on Jul 14, 2009
Verified the cost of the requested technology and posted this project.
John C. (associate)
on Jul 15, 2009
"I gave to this project because...all children should be given the opportunity to learn how to read and become contributing members of our society."
Pam and Meri
from Illinois
gave
on Jul 15, 2009
"I gave to this project because...using the technology that is current to them just makes sense. Everyone needs the chance to read!"
Deborah
from Illinois
gave
on Jul 16, 2009
"I gave to this project because...I think kids deserve the best!"
Felipe
from Illinois
gave
on Jul 17, 2009
"I gave to this project because...being able to read opens many doors."
Kathy
from Illinois
gave
on Jul 20, 2009
"I gave to this project because access to the printed word is at the center of students' success. Only with dedicated teachers like Ms. H can we strive to reach all students."
Julie
from Chicago, IL
gave
on Jul 21, 2009
"I donated because I want to support kids in Illinois (Chicago)."
Amanda
from Chicago, IL
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 14, 2009
"Thank you so much for your support! School has started and we have successfully started our reading program! Your donation towards iPods is going to make many kids VERY happy and even more excited to read. :)"
The teacher Ms. H.
on Sep 14, 2009
A donor
gave
in support of Illinois
on Sep 15, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Renee
from Illinois
gave
on Sep 29, 2009
"I am happy to support. I struggled with reading for a long time, but now it is one of my favorite things to do. "
mph
from District of Columbia
gave
in support of Bleed Cubbie Blue Giving Page
on Oct 1, 2009
"HP is pleased to contribute to the Social Media Challenge and support teachers and students."
"I gave to this project because I feel all kids should have the opportunity to learn and achieve to the best of their abilities."
Bridget
from California
gave
on Oct 25, 2009
"I helped because I'm a strong believer in Literacy education."
Diana
from Ohio
gave
in support of Mac|Life Loves School!
on Oct 28, 2009
"I gave to this project because I work at a school and I know how hard it is to get money for projects and learning with new technology."
Jackson
from Texas
gave
in support of Mac|Life Loves School!
on Oct 28, 2009
"I gave to this project because I believe education is a first class ticket to freedom, culture and the world. Without knowledge of math, science, literature a person is held back. Ultimately, it is what you make with your education, but every child deserves a fair chance at seeing this big beautiful world for what it is, a wonderful place to explore, grow and love. Good luck guys!"
Sara
from Astoria, NY
gave
on Oct 28, 2009
"Thank you for your support! Students are currently using an out-dated listening center, but they are very excited about each donation!"
The teacher Ms. H.
on Oct 28, 2009
"I gave to this project because I was never a great reader. Our son Adam has become a great reader who has discovered the magic of books. Also, we LOVE audiobooks and our iPod!"
Rob, Adam, and Gretchen
from Stoneham, MA
gave
in support of Mac|Life Loves School!
on Oct 28, 2009
Project fully funded!
Happy news
on Oct 28, 2009
The teacher Ms. H.
on Oct 28, 2009
Purchased the technology for Ms. H.'s classroom and notified the school principal of delivery.
Jenni D. (staff member)
on Oct 29, 2009
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From Ms. Y's Classroom:
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