Last year, I met the most amazing class of students. I made a request from DonorsChoose.org for reading materials. My class won the reading challenge for the year. I also introduced them to interactive notebooks. I believe this strategy allowed them to learn the concepts and it was very hands-on.
I taught a group of fifth grade students last year that persuaded me to loop with them in 6th grade.
I must say this is the first time ever in my teaching career. The class was special. They loved to read, learn, and were just great to work with.
I created a reading project last year that was funded through DonorsChoose.org The students were so excited that they won our school million minute reading challenge. We recently received our state test scores and they all improved. I do believe almost half of them scored proficient or advanced in core subjects.
My school is an at-risk school, so the students come every day, sometimes just to get a meal and feel safe. My class attendance rate stayed consistently in the high 90%. I want to contribute that to the fact that the students want to learn and that the lessons were fun.
At the end of the year I asked the students how they felt about the school year. They replied that they loved the reading centers and the interactive notebooks.
My Project
Classroom teachers are asked to prepare a supply list every year for parents. We do this with hopes of receiving the supplies, but in reality we might receive 20 % of the items requested. As a teacher, I need for my students to not feel hindered by their socioeconomic situations. I try to make sure all materials are present in my classroom for all students. If the student needs to borrow a ruler or scissors they know to ask and bring it back the next day.
I plan projects and all of my students feel confident that they can complete them, because I show them where the supplies are in my classroom if they need them. I have a high percentage of completion rate for projects.
Last year was my first year utilizing interactive notebooks.
I only used them for science and social studies. My students loved them. This year I plan to incorporate reading and writing along with math and science and social studies. My students' state test scores and enthusiasm for learning proved to me that the interactive notebooks work for student learning.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Beaty and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
