The cost of the AKJ Educational Services "Book Bundles" Grades 2-6 is $372, 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>.
I am a fourth grade teacher in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn, New York.
We are using balanced literacy which requires an extensive classroom library. The Mayor's Library which we were supplied with a few years ago is becoming extremely worn and in need of replacement books. These books are used daily for the independent reading assignments. We are in need of some of the children's favorite authors/poets. The students particularly enjoy the following: Patricia Polacco, Jacqueline Woodson,Vera B Williams,Sandra Cisneros and Cynthia Rylant. My class usually is comprised of 20+ students who are functioning at a third and fourth grade level.
Since balanced literacy is so individualized, I will be able to use the books throughout the year as students progress to a higher reading level. One unit I am particularly interested in using is the Study of Social Issues with book partners or in book clubs. That is the primary reason I have ordered multiple sets.
Further enriching the group reading experience, by reading the same books with a partner or in a club, the children will be able to hold vivid discussions of topics such as racism, poverty, death, sibling rivalry, lonliness, "being the new kid," fitting in, self esteem, etc. Through discussion of such topics children learn about the world and their own lives. Often they are able to compare and contrast their life experiences with the book characters'. They can disagree or agree with the way characters handle their situation.
In addition to discussions which often become very involved, one activity that I find helpful is for the partner or club to chose a scene, analyze it, and act it out. Children enjoy the creative aspect that this allows as well as the cooperative experience.
If the resources that I have requested are granted, the children in my class will have a more enriching literary experience. They will be able to discuss, write about, and act out the characters in scenes in the book and learn more about themselves and the world they live in. In addition to developing essential reading skills, this approach to reading fosters a passion for reading, learning, and a curiosity about life.
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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 Mrs. k. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.