I teach in a large, diverse high school. My students are high school students typically beginning their studies of a foreign language. Many students live in poverty and take advantage of free or reduced-price lunch programs. Some of my students are refugees, and many of them are learning Spanish as their third or fourth language. The majority of my students have plans to attend college, many as the first members of their families to do so. They are interested in learning and using a second (or third or fourth) language, and they need additional supports. By the time many of my students reach high school, they have lost the joy in reading. My goal with this project is to help even my beginning language learners find success not only in reading, but reading in the target language!
My Project
When people learn language, whether it's their first, second, or fifth language, studies show that reading helps to improve their overall vocabulary and understanding. My project aims to give students choice in their reading materials, showing them language that they can understand and feel good about right away. The novels I've selected cover a wide range of topics at age-appropriate levels, everything from scary mysteries to the travels of the monarch butterflies.
When students choose to read, they learn.
Because the books I'm asking for are intended for a free reading library, they will be the students' choice of topics BUT will also be appropriate for the students' language levels. One of the great frustrations many students face is that they want to read books that they read as children in English. What they don't realize is exactly how much language is really in a children's book. By cultivating a library of books that are language and level appropriate, I can give them the satisfaction of reading material they understand.
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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. Dufoe and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.