A Slice of California History Using Literacy and Technology
My students need 62 copies of our core literature book, Island of the Blue Dolphins, and 5 Chromebooks to research factual information to support the text.
Imagine bringing the true story of survival and perseverance of a Native American girl into the hands of eager and enthusiastic fourth graders. Through this story, students hear the perspectives of the native people, explorers, and missionaries while they navigate through early California.
My students come to me in varied literacy levels.
For example, some have left school with their noses in books, while others only pick up a book while they are in the classroom. Some students have ample access to technology, while others may go to the public library or have access only during the school day.
Our school is very diverse sociol-economically. We are a Title 1 school, which means we have a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch. In the same classroom, we have students who come from affluent, world traveling families.
Presently, students participate in class directed research projects and reading lessons to enhance reading skills. Each student has a book box where some students keep it stuffed full with books, while others need constant encouragement to make
a choice to select reading material. Often times, it just takes that one book to inspire a student to desire to read more.
My Project
Island of the Blues Dolphins has been a core literature study for fourth graders in our district for many years. Being able to bring in technology and research of the many components of California geography, Native Americans, exploration, plants and animals native to the California coast, and missions only enhances students' reading experience.
Through the text, students can identify themes of literacy, fact from fiction, build vocabulary, character development, and figurative language such as metaphors and similes. Using these skills, fourth graders write narratives from the perspective of the main character and create art projects using the geography vocabulary from the text. Natural inquiry and debate occurs in the classroom because of descriptions in the text.
The story supports students in expanding their learning about California history and the people who have shaped our land.
For some students, literature is their introduction to exploration about the world around them.
Literature invites them to research more in depth and pursue inquiries of their own.
Since our current books have been used so lovingly for many years, they are falling apart. Our fourth graders need new books. The Chromebooks will enhance their research capabilities, their word processing skills, as well as hold them accountable with on-line assessments.
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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. Brown and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.