Have you ever been so lost in a book that you felt you were there? I want my students to experience that feeling. Giving students hands-on materials to retell and create new stories is a way to open them up to the magic that books have in them. Oral language is such an important part of learning.
We are a wonderful Kindergarten class in Michigan.
We are located in an urban school district. Not only are my students in their first year of school, but I am a first year teacher too! I have a great group of students. They are hard workers and take great pride in their work. I love seeing how happy they are when they learn something new.
They love reading and often make great text to text connections. We love to have fun. If you were to step into our classroom on any given day you would often catch us giggling about something.
My Project
In Kindergarten, oral language is such an important part of learning. Retelling is the foundation for comprehension and many other reading skills. With these materials I will be able to let my students explore and practice these skills in a fun way. Many students learn by using hands-on materials.
Having these materials gives my students the ability to use story props to help guide them through the retelling process on their own. Not only am I building oral and reading skills, but I am helping them build their risk taking skills and self-esteem.
These story props help them take risk and try to retell. I want reading to be interesting and to show my students all the different ways books can be used. That is why I am requesting six different storytelling kits. These kits will provide my students with a copy of the book and hands-on characters (puppets and small characters) that can help them during oral retelling.
Could you imagine books with no pictures growing up?
The pictures are what pulls young children into books. Now imagine having the characters in your hands. Think of all the doors that will be opened to them. It opens up a whole new world to reading. I want my students to have these experiences. Please help me make reading more than just a book in their hands.
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 Mrs. Hotchkiss and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.