This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Because all my students are either dyslexic or struggling readers, I am exploring every angle to support them. Having books at their specific reading level so they can practice the systematic method we are teaching them; motivates them and promotes excitement about all the work they are doing.
We are a brand new inner city K-2 public charter school specifically for dyslexic children.
Our students come from a wide area to receive research-based dyslexic intervention. We are about half free and reduced lunch and are evenly black/white ethnically mixed. Many of our students have dealt with difficulty in public school settings due to their inability to acquire reading as fast as other students which can make them quite challenging! But, our curriculum (developed specifically for dyslexic children) is helping them see they are as capable as anyone else. Because of that, we are seeing far fewer behavioral issues. Dyslexia often comes with ADD or ADHD so that is also quite challenging, but the comment we hear from many of our children is, 'At my school,there are other kids just like me!'. The teachers at our school love working with these students, so there is a very focused feeling of collegiality and cooperation among the staff. These kiddos are our mission.
My Project
We are trying to enhance the intervention curriculum we use with our dyslexic students. We view our curriculum as extremely important - but a means to an end. We want them to love reading and have access to rich literature. They will be able to practice the learning they are acquiring in the basic curriculum by reading books on their reading level. However, we are a new school and have very few books - and no level G and beyond. We will be providing guided reading groups on the students' instructional level, and leveled books for their independent reading. While some students are working in centers or reading independently, I will be working with small groups of six with the leveled books we are requesting to help the students connect their learning with actual rich literature. This provides practice which all kids - especially dyslexic kids - need to progress in their reading abilities.
As everyone knows, people who are able to read have a much easier time in life.
Reading is the key that unlocks many, many doors. Children who struggle to learn to read see themselves as outsiders. This must not be. Dyslexic children have great gifts, so providing an environment for their support is integral to their success. And providing rich literature on their independent reading level to practice the skills they are learning will greatly benefit their skills and their self esteem.
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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. Rhodes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.