3-2-1 action! Not all students connect to literature in traditional ways. Wouldn't it be great if students could retell stories in creative and artistic ways? Help me by Empowering Students Through Art. Let's increase comprehension and communication through storytelling and dramatic interpretation.
My students are a diverse group and speak many languages including English, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Spanish, and Russian.
Their interests are as wide and varied as their languages, and 61% receive free or reduced lunch. We are an urban school in Los Angeles and are proud of our diversity. It is represented in many ways including learning styles, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and abilities. We're a magnet school, and students love learning math, science, and technology; however, reading is almost always their first love. If I can empower students through art, I know they will read successfully!
Over the years I've gotten many good books for students to read. Unfortunately, they cannot all read the books on their grade level. For that reason I believe I need to entice them to read more and often! I think I can do this through story telling, readers theater, and dramatic play. To create plays, they will have to understand characters, plots, make props, and communicate!
My Project
Read any good books lately, one that you couldn't put down? Imagine a struggling 3rd grade reader feeling that for the first time. Some of my students have not yet discovered the joy of reading. By empowering students through art and literature, this will be the year that magic happens!
Many of the titles in this project are geared toward boys and the types of books they like, while others are geared toward the girls. I've selected a range of books for all interests and levels including fiction and nonfiction such as A to Z Mysteries and All About Animals Close-Up.
Students will be grouped in teams of 2-4 and read titles based on interests and reading levels. Upon finishing a book, students will write scripts, create props and sets for dramatic reenactment, and reader's theater. They'll use water colors, scissors, and other art supplies from this project. Their stories must make sense, and will encourage additional reading. Students will be able to communicate as they work all around the room and in the hallway. They'll have flexibility and freedom to create because of the cushions.
Your donation toward this project will improve literacy and communications skills in my classroom.
Students will select books based on their level, work with friends, and create skits inspired by successfully reading books. For many students, it will be their first time doing so. This will build confidence, encourage them to read more, and change their lives in measurable ways. As students continue to read and get positive feedback from friends, their skills will improve.
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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. Wynne-Davis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.