The human brain is an amazing machine. It begins learning almost immediately and the most powerful connections begin at birth, which is when early literacy learning actually begins. Children begin learning language when their little brains hear their first sounds. Those first sounds are the foundational building blocks of literacy and reading comprehension. Unfortunately, too many children have early life experiences that create obstacles to these early literacy learning moments.
Many of my students have experienced trauma, illness or neglect as infants and young children; these experiences have altered their literacy learning.
Now, it is my job to try to give these students the tools they need to overcome these barriers.
My Project
Dual-modality learning occurs when the brain is able to experience situations through multiple interactions and avenues. The connections made through multiple modes are stronger than the connections made through just one avenue. This approach allows students to experience text visually through reading and aurally through hearing the text read. When students experience text through sight AND sound, the connections they make are stronger than if they were to try and struggle through on their own.
These requested materials would allow me to engage my students in dual-modality learning, strengthening the brain connections for better reading comprehension.
I have a number of audiobooks for my students, but I don't have the technology to allow them to access these resources. The portable cd players and earbuds would allow my students to access and enjoy texts they may normally shy away from. They will be able to choose a text that might be a little more difficult, but they can see and hear the way words, phrases and sentences work together to tell a rich story.
I am also requesting supplies to keep our cd players working and clean, so students can enjoy these resources for a long time to come.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Mrs. Crum and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
