We are an integrated collaborative teaching (ICT) first-grade class, with a mixture of general and special education students at a high-needs, Title I school in the Bronx. While the majority of students come from low-income homes or from homes with limited parental involvement, they are enthusiastic and come to school every day ready to learn. They see school as a consistent part of their daily lives and love to make me proud.
My first graders are some of the happiest children I have ever had the pleasure of working with; they inspire me to provide the best education I can for them.
My Project
Students will be learning how to interact and critically read informational texts in first grade through teacher-modeling with mentor texts, guided practice in small groups, and independent practice with books at their individual reading levels. Repetition is so important for students in internalize non-fiction reading skills like how to use a table of contents or find the definitions for bold vocabulary words in a book. While I can model how to read to find information in non-fiction books, I don't have leveled books for them to read for independent practice. Emergent readers often shut down when they are expected to read a book that is too challenging. This donation is so valuable because it will stock our class library with non-fiction books at every level so that each reader will be able to find a "just right" book for them.
Students will become confident readers of informational texts and learn how to read to find out more about a subject.
With access to non-fiction books at each reading level, students will be able to pick "just right" books throughout the year as they continue to grow as readers. These books will give students independence and choice as they hone their reading skills.
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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. Rudzinski and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
