I teach the self-contained Mild Mentally Disabled 6-8th grade classroom in my school. 71% of my class has either free or reduced lunch.
We have a large variety of reading levels from Non Readers to 4th grade reading level. All of my students are functioning at LEAST 3 years below grade level. Because of this, it is extremely difficult to find books that will catch my students' interests and still be on their reading level. This is especially hard for my Beginning Readers.
In the last year, I have discovered a wonderful program called High Noon Books, which specializes in low level reading materials for older students. I have been able so far to purchase one classroom set of 5 (5 copies of 10 books) for my 3rd grade readers and one set of 5 (5 copies of 5 books) for my 2nd grade readers, along with the work manuals. The books that I have worked with and the manuals that come with them have increased the students' interest in reading. The students are now excited about reading class because we have interesting books on their ability levels.
Unfortunately, I have been unable to purchase a set for my 1st grade readers, and my 2nd grade readers have already gone through three of the 5 books this year. The 3rd grade readers are also working on their 3rd book of the year. We need one more set of 5 books on the 2nd grade level, and two sets of 5 on the 1st grade reading level, along with matching workbook/manuals.
Think of when you were a child. Reading class was boring, and you probably wanted nothing to do with it. Until I found High Noon Books, it was the same way with these students. Now, they have found books that they can get excited about, and it has opened a whole new world for them.
Please, help me to continue to open this world to students who have problems with reading. Help me increase their reading and comprehension through books that are interesting to them, but at the same time on a level where they can learn and be successful!
Thank you for your help and support in this worthy cause.
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