My students are ALL loving, caring, and hardworking. Our school is in an inner city district, and my students face many challenges inside and outside of school. Many of my students have experienced trauma in their lives, experiences I can't even imagine living through. There are also varying academic needs. I teach reading and writing to 50 students every day. Their reading and writing levels vary from kindergarten levels through third grade. My job is to ensure that my students become life long readers and writers.
They need to have a safe, comfortable, and motivating environment.
They need me to acknowledge their challenges and give them support and unconditional love every day. They need choices and variety in their learning environment because one size truly does not fit all.
My Project
I have implemented flexible seating in the classroom, and we love it! Students read and write in a spot that is comfortable for them. We have a kitchen table, couches, wobble stools, bean bags, camping chairs, rocking chairs, etc. We set the mood every day by dimming the bright florescent overhead lights and turning on the table lamps and standing lights around the room. I have purchased a few book lights for students to use as well.
My goal is to build lifelong readers and writers.
These book lights are a hot item in my room. They are all eager to see who's name I call from the calling sticks because they get to use a book light for the day. Students with the book lights "feel" like readers and in turn their stamina is that of a reader! I would love to have enough book lights so there is never a kid that is denied one when they enter my room.
Nearly all 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
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