I am the librarian at a Title 1 school in TN. We have about 350 students and around 50% qualify for free/reduced lunch. We are a close knit school with only our students' best interest at heart. With such a small student body, we are able to do so much more for each student.
When I transitioned from classroom teacher to school librarian of my school, my mission was to change the face of the library.
I have been at this school for 10 years and our library has not changed much in the past 25+ years. I walked in and immediately rearranged, repainted, & redecorated! Now, my students feel like they are in a brand new library! These cosmetic changes created a sense of awe and a renewed sense of wonder at the magic these wall held. Students feel welcomed and at home. I've done my best to make the library feel like THEIR space. I've added soft seating areas for reading books & magazines. I do not enforce a no talking policy, I feel that talking about books is one of the best ways to form and defend opinions and learn from one another. I've taught students how to use the catalog on the computers and have 5 stations that constantly have a line of students waiting to look up their favorite topics and authors. The vibe in our library has made a complete 360!
My Project
Now that the surface is shiny and new, it's time to change how the students use the library. I've set up areas for learning centers, now I just need the materials to stock each center. I want to create mobile learning stations using the iPads, create activities with QR codes, provide students with the experience of reading on an e-device, add e-books to our catalog, let students explore their creative side and make movies and e-books of their own and so much more! There are so many apps geared toward reading and story writing that I can't wait to try with my students. iPads will assist in providing many real world experiences that the Common Core Standards require. Students can research any topic, take virtual field trips, and create to their hearts' content! The possibilities are endless with this technology! My goal is to eventually have 10 iPads. That would be 1 iPad to every 2 students (in each class). We currently have one. I am asking for your help to make this dream a reality.
Your donation will take us one step closer in reaching my goal of having a library without walls.
I want my sweet students to have the world at their fingertips and not be limited by their financial situation. Every student deserves equal opportunities. Help us take a leap into the 21st century and help me create students who are prepared with 21st century skills!
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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. Lester and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
