Help make reading fun and comfortable!
I teach ESL at a high poverty Junior High School, grades 6-8. Because of the language challenges my students face, most of them are on a third-grade reading level, or lower. Much of my time with the students is spent on Independent Reading, where the students each choose a book and read for a goal of 20 minutes at a time. Growing up, I wish we had Independent Reading in school--A time where I could relax with a book of my choice during school! But for my students, reading is not enjoyable, and the 20 minutes becomes something they must get through.
I try to change their attitudes by getting to know their individual reading interests, and helping them choose books they will really like.
That works to an extent, but what would really help is some comfortable seating for the students. How can you “curl up” with a great book while sitting in a hard, straight chair in front of a desk? One day while discussing the goals of independent reading, and what it should look like, we came up with things like, it should look like you are focused, it should look quiet, but then one student said something that really hit me. He said, “It should look comfortable.” I allow the students to slouch and sit on the floor during reading time, but I envision an area of the room dedicated to reading comfort. What a plus that the listed rug has reading slogans on it to keep the students on task! Reading time takes place for 20 minutes 3 times a week in every English class, and I teach 3 classes, so the supplies will get much use!
I think if the students felt physically more comfortable, they would enjoy their books more, and reading would feel more like a break for them than a chore. Your donation will help me reach my goal of inspiring a love for reading in my students.
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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. Fettner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.