My students need 66 books of various genres (Civil War, multicultural, biographies, bullying) to have more choice for maintaining interest and sustained reading.
The bell rings. Energized students enter the dim, lamp lit classroom ready to begin their day being independent learners. They must read to complete any task they face: writing, grammar, word sorts, independent/group activities, iPad use, and social studies.
My students are truly eager to learn when connections are made to what interests them.
A boy who loves soccer automatically becomes excited when he can write about his favorite soccer player: Messi. A girl who loves her mom often becomes enlightened when she can reflect and write about someone she admires. When a young cowboy in class discovers we are going to talk about cattle drives during social studies, he is eager to share his own experiences with livestock. Another student who is fascinated with Lincoln reaches for every historical nonfiction book in class hoping to glean any information that he can piece together with Lincoln. My kids are by far a group of little Einsteins when they are presented with the right materials and opportunities to make connections.
My Project
I believe in fostering and encouraging learning through various methods: especially through reading. Our class is highly based on choice and structured independence. My kids love to read but expecting sustained reading is challenging when we've read or thumbed through all of our class library titles. So much of our independent/group/partner activities require using books. Any spare time...and students are reading. Finding a comfortable spot around the room just isn't as comfortable unless they are snuggled up with a highly interesting book. My students also LOVE to make connections to content discussed in class. Discuss an adverb and, instantaneously, five kids bring you their books to show you an adverb! Discuss Texas history...all year... and you have a kiddo surprised when he picks up a Texas picture book that mentions the Alamo, Spindletop, and the Comanche Indians.
With the donation of these titles, my students will continue to not only make connections and extend their own learning; they will be anxious to share with their peers as well.
These new book titles will have an impact on my students because more of their world and the unknown will be unlocked for them.
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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. Owen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.