I am amazed how much first graders love biographies and retain so much information about other people's lives. They can't wait to share what they've learned after reading about these amazing individuals. We have a limited amount of biographies at their level and we are seeking to expand.
My classroom contains students from various socioeconomic backgrounds and various individual needs.
Given their challenges they show a tremendous amount of growth in a given year in reading and writing. I am truly blessed to see this in action each year with first graders. Currently 73% of our students come from families that are economically disadvantaged.
My Project
By utilizing biographies for guided reading instruction, I will pique the natural curiosity that my students have for delving into the lives of outstanding citizens. Thus I will be able to instruct at their individual reading levels, with material that meets their interests. Exploration into the lives of selected biographies will provide students with opportunities to relate to individuals who, like themselves, did not always have the easiest childhoods. Springboard activities following reading of the text will explore writing about the individuals as well as creating story maps that outline individual lives. Students are always very proud to share what they have written about their reading. By making connections to the people in the biographies students will learn ways to be leaders in life.
By donating to this project, you are making a difference in helping to teach a child to read.
Given the pitfalls of low socioeconomic status that many of our students face, we must provide alternative opportunities for all students to be successful. Sadly, many children do not have the means to purchase biographies, or cannot travel to the public library to check out books at their level. Perhaps one day, one of these children will have a biography written about him/her.
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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. Cann and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.