The cost of the classic books for my classroom library is $706, 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 third grade teacher, back in the classroom after a five-year hiatus. It's great to be teaching again, especially at a school as wonderful as Las Lomitas. Our campus is located in the Menlo Atherton area, and my students ride the bus in from Menlo Park, Woodside, East Palo Alto and Atherton. Several of my students are English Language Learners. Our class is a diverse group.
Teaching after a few years off is an exciting challenge. Education has changed while I was away, especially in reading and literacy. My school implements an individualized, leveled reading program, and nearly all of the teachers on staff have full libraries of book sets.
I am seeking to fortify my classroom library with sets of classic literature that can be enjoyed by students at all reading levels. My class represents a wide range. Some are finishing up Lemony Snicket novels in nothing flat, while others are enjoying Nate the Great at a slower pace. What's a teacher to do?
Like my colleagues, I would like to be able to offer students literature that is personally selected for them with their individual skill level in mind. Students will be placed in individualized groups, evaluated with running records, and introduced to various reading genres (realistic fiction, biography, fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction, etc.).
My goal is to have ALL types of great literature on hand for my students. Some of the titles that would be included are Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Freckle Juice; How To Eat Fried Worms; and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Teachers are short on time. Going to the library to find six copies of something you need is daunting, and not always doable. That is why having books accessible in the classroom is invaluable.
In reading, one size does not fit all. One kind does not suit all. By individualizing and personalizing reading instruction, I know students will greatly benefit. An individualized approach removes frustration, while adding confidence and success. It's not much fun reading something that is too hard or too easy. Therefore, my goal is to provide the balance my students need.
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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. L. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.