Give Kids Access to Literature

My Students

On the first day of school my students learn to recite and act out this quote, "We're off to great places, today is our day! Our mountain is waiting, so I'll get on my way!" We take the standards very seriously, but we take the responsibility to instill a passion for learning ever more seriously.

We are in a high poverty school with a uniquely diverse demographic.

We have a large homeless population as well as strong, stable families. Our school focuses on being a safe, nurturing environment, and I am confident in each of my colleagues to provide that. As a team we pride ourselves in taking learning beyond the book. We transform our rooms, kids dress up, we build and explore, and make the very most of our time together. My students are no strangers to the struggles of life, but they are so incredibly generous and full love for me and one another. They take care of each other in a way I haven't seen before, and they take pride and ownership in our classroom and their learning. This class is quite low academically, so they require a great deal of intervention and scaffolding. In years past, this has been an stressful task, but this class is excited to learn and accepts the challenge to improve with enthusiasm. I am already seeing gains in just our short time together.

My Project

As 2nd graders, our students are in that transition from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." They are gaining more mastery of phonics, and beginning to really focus on expression, vocabulary, and comprehension. One of the best ways to teach, and to learn, these things is by example. When children are able to listen to, and imitate, expressive, fluent reading, they begin to apply it to their own reading. We have a few picture audio books but have not had the resources to offer higher levels of text in audio form. This book set and audio resources will allow the whole class to do chapter book studies together regardless of reading level. It will level the playing field and allow for independent, small group discussions about a 2nd grade level text because everyone has access to the same story. The groups of CD players will also make it possible to make the listening portion an independent activity and allow more time for me to meet with kids on a more individual basis.

Anytime students feel empowered to access more learning, more vocabulary or more literature their lives are changed for the better.

Anytime a student that barely reads can have a conversation with the highest reader in the class about the important message or a favorite word from the book they just finished reading together, his/her life is changed for the better. Sometimes it is the small things that make the biggest difference!