Hands-on Literacy Learning During Small Group Instruction
My students need a kidney table for an intimate small group learning space and hands-on literacy materials (like Hear Myself Sound phones, Classroom Magnetic Letters, and Lace-a-Word beads) to help them develop foundational phonics and reading skills.
I have the privilege of working in a fully-inclusive elementary school. All of our students, regardless of ability, participate in the general education classroom for the entire day. The diverse population of learners provides an opportunity for students to develop real-world skills including empathy, leadership, community, and acceptance. The compassion I see in my students everyday is inspiring.
Our students learn how to celebrate the differences within themselves and their peers.
Our students receive small group instruction allowing the unique needs of every learner to be met. Instruction includes typical literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies content, as well as an explicit social-emotional curriculum and hands on project based learning. The students are incredibly creative and learn to work cooperatively with their peers. I feel grateful to work at such a progressive school with such open-minded, thoughtful, imaginative young learners.
My Project
I am asking for a kidney table to allow the students to learn in an intimate learning community. During small group instruction, a kidney table allows me as the teacher to be an arm's length away from each student. I can hold students accountable for staying on task and constantly check for understanding. The hands-on literacy materials will help my students build basic phonics and reading skills. Many of my students are still learning fine motor skills and holding/using a pencil can be difficult. These materials will help my students express their knowledge and ideas in alternative ways. Additionally, the tactile letters are a beneficial sensory way for students to gain muscle memory before learning to write the letters. With so many diverse needs at my school, having these materials will help ensure all students can access the curriculum and grow as learners.
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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. Weidig and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.