The cost of appropriate level books is $406, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Renie's classroom raised $460
This project is fully funded
I am a first grade teacher at Claremont Academy in the West Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, IL. Approximately 94% of the students qualify for free lunch.
One of my goals this year includes creating an engaging learning environment where my students will learn to use reading strategies independently and therefore, understand and enjoy what they read. One of our positive learning experiences is literacy centers and reading conferences, where children practice the strategies and skills independently and also with guidance. During independent reading, children read books at their “just right” reading level for 20 minutes at a time. My students are excited about the books they read. They love to discuss new things they discover. It's a wonder for them to keep practicing a new strategy and then, to find out they can finally do it on their own. I often hear voices of pride and happiness when they share what strategies they mastered after much practice. They are inspired to learn new things and reflect upon them. This learning time creates a cheerleader environment where everyone is excited about the success of everyone. Most of all, each child is excited about his own progress and that he feels appropriately challenged, instead of frustrated. When they feel smart, there is a change in attitude, behavior, and work ethic. According to Sharon Taberski, “Engagement is a process by which the learner sees himself as capable of learning a particular skill and decides to do whatever necessary to acquire it.”
Children need “just right” books to learn how to read and to enjoy reading enough to keep trying. Charmayne can read quietly by herself for 20 minutes at a time. When reading books on her level, she is calm and confident for the rest of the day. James just tried out a new strategy that I demonstrated and was able to master it; he excitedly tells me that he wants to read for me. He believes in himself, when he didn't before. However, not everyone is able to have these feelings of accomplishment consistently because we do not have books that match everyone's needs.
Reading can foster a love of learning and an interest in new things, but also teaches much-needed strategies for later in life. In order for children to be functional and successful, they need books they can read. I can teach the strategies, but we need the materials to make this experience real. With these books, my students will practice the strategies, discuss books together, develop critical ideas, and respond to what they read. A classroom library with books for all my readers will make our reading experiences engaging and successful.
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 Ms. Renie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.