We need more variety in our small group ELL classes! My students are yearning for fiction guided reading books.
A few years ago, our school underwent a big change when another charter school that catered to Liberian students closed and our school welcomed these students.
This year, I was hired as the first and only ELL teacher at our small, public charter school for grades K-8. We have about 250 students, and over 80% of them receive free or reduced price lunch. About 1/5 of our students are English Language Learners. Many of our students are Liberian, but we also have students who speak Spanish, Hmong, and Chinese. Students come to my room in small groups two to three times a week with peers in their grade at a similar level. Many of my students lack a strong background in literacy. A lot of their parents are working more than one job, so many students are being raised by older siblings.
My Project
I want to add fiction books to my guided reading collection. I had a limited budget to buy curriculum for my students (especially when I need books for K-8!), and my focus was to buy non-fiction guided reading books on subjects my students are learning about in their regular classes. These books allow me to work on language skills while providing important background information students lack, but they are craving fiction books to add some spice to our classes. I spend quite a bit of time with each book to make sure they last me through the year. My students are now saying things like, “We’re still working on this book?” So far, my students have been enthusiastic about working with me, and I don’t want them to lose this enthusiasm because they get bored.
These books would allow me to add variety to my classes. I would be able to work on more fiction comprehension strategies. I want my students to stay excited about learning so they can improve their language skills.
Reading is the key to success in school and life, and I hope that these books can help my students learn to love reading.
I would also like some learning games I can use with my students when we want to take a break from our normal routine.
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