We are the Beasley Bees and every morning we have Bee Hives. During these Bee Hives I have divided the students into three groups based on their reading levels. I want to get these fantastic kids to a level that will help them succeed in life! "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free!l
Our school has a high population of refugees and English Language Learners/English as a Second Language.
The kids are eager to learn English and the American culture. To meet many of these kids is to love them and love their excitement. The teachers work hard with the resources they have but we can never have enough reading resources, especially books. The programs we use are geared towards populations with average to high readers and not the demographics we have where many first grade students don't know how to write letters. As we watch the students learn to read and write, their confidence builds as well as their social interaction and behavior thus creating a better learning environment. Imagine being in a classroom and it sounds like "wah wah wah wah wah" all day. This is what it feels like for some of my students. The more resources I have to help them decode English and read English the more successful they will be in my class and in LIFE!
My Project
The books provided by the program we use at school are NOT geared towards the English Language Learners so I spend many hours each week finding more appropriate and effective books, making copies, folding or stapling these books. Every day I have Bee Hives/Workshops so I need three to five books each week. I will use the BOB books during these Bee Hives to help them learn to read. They will learn letters, blending sounds, reading comprehension and MOST IMPORTANTLY build confidence. BOB books are proven reading tools.
READ, READ, READ.
There is no better gift (besides my love) that I can give my English Language Learner first graders! First grade is an important year to learn how to read and comprehend books. If a child does not learn this in first grade they will be behind in second grade and perhaps the rest of their schooling. I am sure the lack of the ability to read will also affect the other subjects in school. I NEED to ensure these ELL students learn to read before they leave my class.
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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