Remember the feeling you had after reading your favorite novel? The satisfaction of relating to the characters and really feeling like you were a part of the book? Struggling readers often do not get the chance to feel this joy and satisfaction because they are bogged down by decoding a text.
Our 5th grade classroom is full of students who want to learn and soak in as much knowledge as possible.
Throughout our school students participate in many literacy activities such as reading month, family literacy nights, reading challenges, and more. Many of the students in our class are struggling readers, unable to find that book that motivates them or engages them in reading. For them, reading activities can be a challenge and a disappointment. Each one of these readers puts forth effort, maximizing their efforts in sounding out words, stumbling over confusing parts, or just unable to find a book in the library. I love to see the look on students faces when they finally find a book that engages them, excites them, and makes them fall in love with reading.
My Project
E-readers will be utilized by all students in my classroom. Students will be using the e-readers during reading time: independent reading, shared reading, and reading groups. Students, particularly struggling readers, will be able to use the functions of the e-reader to increase vocabulary, stamina, and enjoyment in reading. E-readers provide the reader with tools such as a dictionary, text-to-speech software, digital post-it notes, and highlighting tools. Research studies show that these tools help struggling readers feel confident, improve reading skills, and increase overall enjoyment of text. I envision my classroom being full of students who love reading, and can't wait to turn the pages on a new book.
Research shows that struggling readers enjoy the use of e-readers due to the ways in which pages turn more quickly, making the student feel more successful.
Students also enjoy the use of the tools that enable them to hear the text being read, allows them to use the dictionary freeing them from spending hours on decoding, and allows them freedom to choose text at their level without the knowledge of other students.
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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. Hughes and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.