You can help my students discover new worlds by providing books and supplies at multiple levels for my unique class.
Yes, my class has a bit of an old fashioned approach to teaching with up to 13 students in kindergarten through fifth grade in one classroom.
These students come from throughout a suburban district. All of the students have educational emotional difficulties such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder or bi-polar disorder. Some enjoy a stable home but many move around a great deal and may live with various relatives or foster parents over the years. Few are exposed to books and reading in the home. In the six years that this program has been in our school, all students have been recipients of free or reduced breakfast and lunch. This does not mean that these children are that different from most students. They love to learn and feel "smart."
My Project
I see books as powerful. I believe that books can open doors of interest. I believe that books can provide an escape when the world feels like it is falling apart all around you. I believe books can empower a student to see himself as a learner which allows for changes in cycles of abuse and opportunities to grow.
Because of this belief, I spent my own money to provide my students with 80 fiction and 80 nonfiction leveled books. I leveled additional older books and books checked out from the library and implemented a program to encourage students to read and develop reading skills. The leveling of books has allowed students to be challenged at that "just right" level and feel the success to challenge themselves further.
I want to now expand this program by providing more books as well as the organization support of book carts. In addition, the Leveled Books Activity Box will provide skill development activities for students to use with any of the books at the specific levels.
This is a terrific opportunity to make a difference in the lives of students.
The materials have already been tested and successful in the program. I am confident that expanding this program will impact my students by facilitating a deeper love of reading as well as exposing them to more concepts and ideas. Best of all, if you contribute by the end of the year it can be used as a charitable tax deduction. Please contribute!
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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. Kahn and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
