My project needs 12 American Heritage Picture Dictionaries.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Rogers's classroom raised $346
This project is fully funded
I teach twelve 2nd and 3rd grade students with multiple disabilities, within a 12:1 setting. My school is a public school within a low-income, urban setting. Some of the disabilities include speech impairments, learning disabilities, and ADHD. Not only do these students have disabilities, but they also lack prior knowledge and experience with things that other students are more comfortable with at this age level.
Due to the lack of experiences and funding, these students do not know the meaning or spelling of many commonly used words. They are very eager to write stories, complete writing assignments, and read new stories. However, they often misspell or misuse words in their writing. They also have trouble understanding stories that they read because they do not know the meaning of most words within the story.
To help build the students' knowledge of word meanings and their correct spelling, a picture dictionary will greatly improve the situation. By providing each student with an American Heritage Picture Dictionary, they will be able to look up words as they are reading and writing them. Not only will they find the definition but they will also see a picture and the word used in a sentence. This will help them to understand and retain the meaning, as most of my students are visual learners. This will not only help with their reading and writing skills, but will build their self-esteem. Often my students are reluctant to use new words because they do not feel confident with them.
I plan on having a picture dictionary in each students' desk at all times. They will also be required to have it out on their desk and use it during all language arts assignments. I also will have a vocabulary word of the week. Students will be able to use their dictionary to look up the meaning, use it daily, and increase their vocabulary.
By having these picture dictionaries, students will be able to increase their knowledge. Not only am I looking to help cut down on spelling mistakes, but I also want to provide my students with an opportunity to build their vocabulary and give them a chance to independently improve their writing and comprehension skills.
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. Rogers and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.