Classroom Space for English Learners Needs Makeover!
My students need a place to sit on the floor during meeting time and read alouds, as well as a whiteboard for work in small group centers.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Speers's classroom raised $451
This project is fully funded
My Students
My English language learners are fortunate to be in small groups of 2-12 students; however, it is a challenge making a comfortable and practical work space for them. I'm using too much easel paper! And the students sit on little mini rugs that slide around. It's time for an upgrade!
My students are English language learners in grades 1-8.
Our urban public school is very diverse: more than 40 home languages are represented! They receive English language support from me during and after school. Some students are newcomers, including refugee students, who speak little or no English. Others are gaining fluency but are often academically behind their English-dominant peers. A high number of our students receive free and reduced lunches and almost half are designated English language learners.
My Project
Currently I am working with two 8th grade refugee students from Africa. Their educational background is spotty. Now, in addition to learning basic social and academic language in English, they also are learning how to navigate the school system in the U.S. and to develop the study skills to be successful. They need a lot of visual support - pictures and simple language to instruct them and keep them focused. My current set-up has me using a lot of easel paper, but a whiteboard would be much more practical and less wasteful.
In addition, my rambunctious group of 1st grade English learners come to me after school for enrichment activities. During story-time, the students are currently sitting on small mats, which slide around and create a lot of "fidgeting". A large rug will help to keep this group together for our discussions and mini-lessons.
A well-organized classroom that offers routines and points of focus is important for all students, and most of all English language learners, who often have not had the home learning experiences to make them school-ready.
Providing an attractive learning space, with clear learning routines, will go a long way toward promoting success with these promising students!
More than three‑quarters of 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. Speers and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.