The cost of Bob Books Level B Sets 1 and 2 and Level C Set 1, Lakeshore Sight Readers Levels 1 and 2, a set of Lakeshore Rhyming Books, and 2 book display stands, all from Lakeshore Learning is $340, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach first grade in an at-risk, Title 1 school in Guilford County, North Carolina. I have 15 of the most beautiful, eager, enthusiastic, and thoughtful students in my class this year. Their little brains are like sponges, soaking up anything and everything I challenge them with. Budget cuts at the local and state levels prevent me from ordering things that would benefit my classroom and my students. As a young and single teacher, I am going broke! It breaks my heart to deny them opportunities I know would allow them to grow and explore simply because of lack of funding.
That being said, I have students in my class at a variety of reading levels--everywhere from barely reciting the alphabet and recognizing corresponding sounds to reading and comprehending second grade material. That is quite a diverse range! Research shows that emergent readers at different stages of reading acquisition need different kinds of books to succeed and make growth. My problem is that I don't have multiple copies of books appropriate for my readers who are struggling the most. I need engaging, highly predictable texts so that they can begin to recognize rhyming patterns and use picture clues while reading. Then, the students need to move into books featuring specific sound patterns and word families. Only after mastering these kinds of books will my struggling readers be able to catch up and perform on a first grade level.
I will be able to use these books many ways in my classroom, but most importantly in small group guided reading instruction. Also, my students don't have books to read at home with their parents. Library books are a wonderful resource, but the students usually can't read the books they check out. They need to be able to take home material at an appropriate level. These books would be perfect!
In this age of testing and accountability, my students are the very ones we are desperately trying not to leave behind. Without appropriate reading materials for instruction, I fear this may happen. Thank you in advance for your support of my wonderful children.
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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. H. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.