My students need an e-reader as grabbing a low readers attention, and making reading easy and fun to do, is necessary for them to learn to read, or they won't try.
Do you remember your class having a conversation about a book, but you didn't understand? This is a struggle many low-level students face. E-readers let students see the book in a way they are used to, on a screen. By being in a familiar format (like TV/video games), it is easier to understand!
My students come from a mix of middle class and low income families.
Many of my students spend a large amount of time at home alone, since their parents are both working. The students are highly encouraged to participate in sports, dance, etc., but reading is seen as a waste of time. It is also unsupervised. Since reading is not valued at home, the students do not think it important. Our school has put a great deal of interest in reading the past few years. What we have discovered is, students are not interested in reading for two reasons: time and interest. I am hoping an e-reader would allow my students the opportunity to realize how adventurous reading can be! Once they have caught the reading bug, they will continue and gain the experience needed to reach their grade level reading requirements!
My Project
The e-reader would be used in turns with my low-level students. We would use it in small group work, as well as conferring one-on-one, and tutoring. As soon as they see a book, many struggling readers believe they cannot read. They do believe, however, they are GREAT at video games. Having the book in a different, more familiar, format, may boost their confidence and allow them to try.
My school has no funding per classroom.
I already spend around $500 dollars from my own account every year. I do not have the funds to supply this. Audio books have helped, but there is a long way to go. Your donation would help more than I can say. It would be helping a child towards having a better education, as well as more confidence!
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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. Dwyer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.