Help me give my students with limited internet access, books to read at home to themselves or younger siblings while schools are closed for the pandemic.
Teaching English Language learners (ELs) is such a humbling and amazing experience, and when middle school brains are added it makes that much more fun and challenging. In our ELL classroom, we work hard to support reading, writing, speaking and listening for students who are on a spectrum from just emerging in their English language to near proficient.
My students are creative problem-solvers who are simultaneously learning English and middle school content, but often their persistence is challenged by access to resources they need for school, like time, technology and books.
Our school was once part of a rural, primarily agriculture community, but in recent years, the community has become home to the families of the booming tech industry. For many of my students' families, this has increased the cost of living to a level difficult to sustain. They work incredibly hard to be able to support their families, but too often there isn't extra budget for books or school supplies.
My students are strong, determined, and creative. They overcoming amazing challenges, support their families, from young to old, and are working hard to create a bright future for their community. I am honored to learn and grow with them.
My Project
These book sets will allow me to get two books in the hands of each of my students during the pandemic. The books will be distributed with the free & reduced lunches at the local elementary schools and delivered in a care package to the homes of students who are not able to leave.
Reading is the best way to maintain and improve English language development and my lessons during the school closures will focus on reading and listening for understanding, as well as writing and speaking about what we read.
Many of my students have younger siblings or family members that they are caring for right now, so the variety in reading levels allows us to make sure that each student gets a book at their appropriate reading level, but also that they are able to practice reading aloud to younger family members.
My students are able to participate in online classes or meetings via their cellphones, but reading and writing large quantities of text on their phones is difficult and takes data or internet, which can be problematic. With physical books, I will be able to help mitigate some of the barriers to continued learning and practicing these skills that my students would otherwise face.
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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 Ms. Heidner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.