We are a Title I, neighborhood school in a low-income area of town. Our student base is comprised of a mix of African American, Caucasian and Hispanic, with the majority being Hispanic. Many of our Hispanic students come from homes that speak predominantly Spanish, so both our students and families struggle with the English language. Unfortunately, this has a dramatic effect on the students, ranging from low parental involvement in the community as well as low parental support in a child's education. We need fun and engaging programs that teach in ways that differ from that of the regular school day.
Given our school is in a very low income area of town, a number of our kids deal with trauma, uncertainty and upheaval on a regular basis.
Our school days are short, after school programming funds nearly non-existent, and in essence this leaves our kids to their own devices a large portion of the day. We need free, fun and academically engaging programming for at least an hour following the school day. We can do this by providing academic PLAY opportunities that begin with graphic novels, which lead to dramatic play, building scenes... Please Help!
My Project
With the funding of this project, we will be able to purchase early reader graphic novels from TOON. TOON is one of the leading publishers to recognize and provide a sound and quality publication in this format. Kids gain reading confidence by gaining insight on words through the explicit illustrations. Graphic novels can provide a wonderful spring board to reading success. By establishing a volunteer based after school book club for our most vulnerable and reluctant readers, we can provide the small group support that these kids need, for academic success. Furthermore, beyond the reading component, kids will engage, hopefully through the funding of our Lego Education DonorsChoose.org request, in expanding on the theme of each book through building with bright and engaging STEM based Duplos. That helps keep the kids engaged in after school academics, through Purposeful Play.
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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. Bishop and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.