I am the proud teacher of 23 fantastic second graders at a public elementary school in Harlem where 90 % of students are English Language Learners and 100% qualify to receive free school breakfast and lunch. School wide, only 36% of our kids are reading on grade level, and low expectations seem to permeate our school environment. I think this is concrete proof that educational inequity persists along socioeconomic and racial lines. This makes me determined to find a way to give my kids the high-quality education they deserve. I came to this school two years ago as a Teach For America corps member, and am now in my third year as a TFA alum. I am convinced that when given the opportunity, my kids can and will be extremely successful! Our goal this year is to grow 1.5 years as readers. My kids have been working incredibly hard to meet this lofty goal, and as of January we have grown an average of .75 years!
Our class is extremely diverse in terms of both cultural backgrounds and academic ability. Our community includes kids from the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Yemen, Bosnia, and Puerto Rico. We have readers ranging from a Kindergarten level to a Third grade level.
One of my biggest challenges as a teacher is figuring out how to differentiate instruction to accommodate readers on this wide range of levels. Studies show that listening to books being read aloud supports the development of important literacy skills, particularly for kids learning English as a second language.
My lowest readers (the majority of whom are English Language Learners) will benefit enormously from using headphones to listen to recorded stories as they follow along. We have a great library of books on tape/CD, but we need a listening center in order to use this valuable resource! Comfortable cushions will allow kids to find quiet places to read all around the classroom and will encourage buddy reading between high and low readers.
We have a great library of books on tape/CD, but we need a listening center in order to use this valuable resource! Your help will ensure that my students reach their fullest potential as growing readers. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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