I will be teaching kindergarten in the upcoming 2019-2020 school year in a underprivileged community. Most of our student body receives free or discounted breakfast and lunch daily. Some children come from broken homes, foster families, shelters, and have negative experiences that most adults won't encounter. Even though life outside of the school may be difficult, my students come to school everyday full of energy and ready to learn. Some do not have previous schooling or speak the English language, but they are always eager for that day's instruction. They are loving and willing to help each other in their daily educational and classroom activities. The children in this community are the most resilient kids I have ever met. When asked why I’m still working in the community after 15 years, I say, “Each day holds a new adventure. I feel like a part of the community and know I can change lives where I am.”
My Project
Every child wants to learn to read. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come easily to everyone. Each individual has their own struggles, whether it’s English as a second language, a disability or the simple fact that reading isn’t fun or interesting. This is seen everyday in my classroom year after year. Whatever the struggle may be it is an educator's job to make it interesting, fun and supply ample practice for every student to be the best reader they can be. In order for this to happen small group instruction needs to take place so that every child can be taught to their specific needs. Unfortunately, many classrooms aren’t set up for this kind of instruction nor is there funding for furniture to promote the instruction. A kidney shaped table for guided reading groups will make the children comfortable to learn in a small group setting with ample space for the needed materials. Guided reading is small group instruction where the teacher targets specific skills that are weak in a few children and he/she models different strategies that can be used to master the targeted skill. Kidney seating is ideal for this kind of instruction because it allows all parties to face each other and have collaborative conversation. These discussions will also lead to building comprehension skills that are needed to blossom into a well rounded reader. Money and limited resources shouldn’t stop children from getting the education they deserve.
Make your life a masterpiece, imagine no limitations on what you can be, have or do.
More than three‑quarters of 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. Kobayashi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
