I find a comfortable spot in the classroom, plop down with my book, and begin reading. After 10 minutes of independent reading time is over, I close my book and put it away. My teacher then asks me what I read about today, and I can't tell her because I don't remember what my book was about.
My students are loving, compassionate, and capable of anything they set their minds to.
They may be from families with only one parent in the household, if they are lucky. My students' only meals may be the ones that I watch them eat at school. They are bright, curious, and always full of imagination. My students may struggle with family problems such as divorce, incarcerated parents/guardians, and financial strains. Despite our unfortunate circumstances, we belong to a school where leadership is valued and expected. No matter what happens outside of our school building, we come into the classrooms with honesty, respect, and responsibility at the forefront of our minds.
My Project
As a beginning reader, decoding the words on the page is something that is highly valued. Unfortunately when only decoding is encouraged, comprehension seems to slip. If my students were able to access and utilize comprehension building activities, I truly believe that they would be much more successful readers in first grade and in every school year to follow.
These new games, strategies, and activities could be used in multiple different settings in the classroom such as independent work during workshop time, partner games during centers, and even guided activities that I could use with my students when I pull them in small groups for guided reading with books on their level. These new resources would help my students practice with comprehension of stories so that they could really understand what they are reading about on a deeper level.
If my students were able to use these new materials, their reading success would skyrocket.
They would not only become stronger readers academically, but they would also become more confident readers. Confidence is key in these beginning stages of reading. As their teacher, I am willing to do whatever I can so that they achieve greatness. These new resources would highly benefit all of my future first grade readers that will one day become your doctors, lawyers, and presidents.
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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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. Carrigan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
