My students need Mandarin books across levels to improve their literacy including classic American and Chinese stories. Flash cards/blocks help character recognition.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart." -Nelson Mandela
I want my scholars to be able to explore a culture outside of their own. I want them to share their stories and engage in the stories of others.
My scholars attend a K-8 now third-year charter turnaround in one of the most underserved and impoverished neighborhoods in north Philadelphia.
Despite the many obstacles my scholars face daily, they are overflowing with persistence and a passion for learning. They jump at the chance to use Chinese phrases in their everyday conversation and are genuinely engaged in the content. They are excited when they can connect classroom learning and apply it to their lives. They not only have an interest for history but a desire to explore how history connects to their narratives. Through the study of Mandarin, my scholars are able to have access and venture far beyond their world in north Philadelphia as they continue to develop as learners.
My Project
My scholars will be able to engage with familiar print materials like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" in Mandarin. They will also be introduced to Chinese classical tales such as Mulan and The Monkey King. As a non-native speaker, I appreciated exploring a language through familiar texts as well as learning Mandarin through traditional Chinese tales. The "My First Bilingual Books" will be used during independent reading as scholars learn basic characters.
The flashcards, CDs and Chinese character blocks will be used in centers and aid in character practice and recognition that will help further reading skills. "52 Weeks of Lessons" will be used as a guide since there isn't a Chinese curriculum in place at my school.
We plan to use the easel to hold many supplies needed for language instruction that can easily move from the carpet to another area in the classroom. It will serve as storage for items such as laminated classroom songs and books.
Your generosity is not simply the donation itself.
Giving someone the power of language means that it will be shared with others in unimaginable ways. As a second-language learner, I understand the value and the impact that learning a language can have and I have vowed to share that with my students. Language is a critical part in navigating the spaces around you. Your donation will help equip my scholars with another tool on their educational journey. Thank you!
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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Montague-Keels and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.