My students need nonfiction leveled readers to expose them to real life concepts, to improve their academic vocabulary, and to increase their literacy skills.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Radtke's classroom raised $766
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Can you think of a time you ever felt bored and wished you were challenged more? My exceptionally bright students, who are exceeding the learning standards, often struggle with boredom during guided reading. They need advanced leveled readers to challenge their reading skills.
I teach first grade and have 26 students in my class.
I work in an urban school system in Illinois. The majority of my students speak English as a Second Language. All of my students are minorities and come from low-income families. All of my students receive free breakfast and lunch at school. Our school is currently on academic probation and budget cuts were made this year limiting many academic opportunities. My students are hardworking, full of energy, and curious about the world around them.
My Project
I lead small group guided reading instruction in my classroom where my students are grouped by reading levels. In first grade, the guided reading levels typically range between levels C-J. However, I have students who are reading above this range and can read at a second or third grade reading level! Unfortunately, I do not have leveled readers for these students, so often the books I give them to read are not challenging enough for them and boring for them. I have already voiced this problem at my school, however due to budget cuts our school cannot afford many needed classroom materials. Furthermore, I lack nonfiction texts in my classroom so my students are rarely exposed to academic vocabulary and real life concepts that would support their learning in other subjects, such as Science and Social Studies. Nonfiction leveled readers, levels K-P, would provide appropriately challenging reading opportunities for my students and reignite their love for reading.
I want my advanced students to become passionate about reading, and nonfiction leveled readers would inspire this.
Many of my students have unfair life circumstances that will affect their future opportunities. As their teacher, I wish to improve their chances for success in anyway that I can. All of my students need opportunities where they are challenged so they will continue to love school and learning.
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 Ms. Radtke and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
