My students need a carpet for whole-class instruction and discussion that creates community and buddy-talk opportunities. I love that this also serves as a resource for finding non-fiction based on the Dewey Decimal System. Library skills!
"I like how the author used the clay at the beginning to help us see what his face looks like. Very visual." "I can relate to this boy because I also have (similar problems)." "Maybe mom didn't think she could take care of him." These were the responses to a recent read-aloud in my class using the book "Ugly", a memoir by Robert Hoge. This is the nature of our read-alouds and other class meetings. It's far more fun to do it when we are sitting together, like a family in a living room in front of a fireplace, than stationed at our desks throughout the room.
These fourth graders are amazing interpreters and debaters of materials we share in our lessons.
We learn through projects and self-directed explorations, helping each other understand and apply new skills while encouraging all of us to be leaders and learners!
My Project
I can just imagine my students going to the library and directing themselves to the area they seek for a project, book report or their own investigative reading! I can hear them now "Oh! I want to look up books about mountains, or rockets, or biographies. I will look near the _________ section!"
Our group time together is developing, so having a special carpet for our group discussions will bring excitement and focus during those times.
Transitions are easier with a specific location. A 'location' makes an event special, and a room rug with it's own teachable icons will provide that joy and learning.
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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. Carlson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
