I am a first and second grade teacher at a Title 1 school (62% receive free or reduced lunch) in Silicon Valley. We are a high needs school, and really need to focus on raising our STAR test scores.
First grade is a HUGE growth year for reading. Second grade is basically a make it or break it grade as far as reading goes. Most students who do not master the skills of reading by the time they exit second grade have a high chance of struggling the rest of their educational career. I have a passion for literacy, and I try to reach all of my students-especially those who are below level. My classroom consists of a leveled library, where students read from a book bin containing books they choose-that match a book shopping card I give them. Many of my second graders come in reading at Levels E and F, which are beginning first grade levels. As I leveled my library last year, I found that it is severely lacking the above levels. This means my students have VERY limited choices when book shopping for their level. Currently, I get books for them in our book room, which some of them don't like because I give them their books, and they never get to book shop with their classmates.
In this proposal, not only am I asking for a set of 25 books in both levels E and F, but I am also asking for library book pockets. I use the pockets to label the insides of my books, and have a checkout system using them, so students can take home a "just right" book every night.
By funding my project, you will enable struggling readers to have classroom access to "just right" books, which will increase their confidence and stamina during independent reading time. Thank you for considering my project.
Half 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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