This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
I teach in the primary grades (1st-3rd grade) at a low income school in East San Jose. Our student population is made up of many students who come from poverty stricken families. As a result, they find it very difficult to become interested in school. As a result, many of our students are struggling readers. Reading is the most important skill they need to pick up by the time they leave the primary grades in order to be successful in all other subjects.
Our current reading program is made up of leveled books that are uninteresting and unrelated to our students' interests. As I move into my 3rd year of teaching, I've noticed that my struggling readers began to read very quickly when I purchase books that they can find interesting. I just recently picked up some Dr. Seuss, Arnold Lobel, and "I Can Read" chapter books. Tears came to my eyes when I learned that the majority of my students had never seen these books before. Their interest in reading went through the roof. Now it is hard to get them to stop reading when time is up. Every student in my class made a huge jump in their reading scores due to the new books.
In my classroom, my students participate in silent reading, a listening center (books on tape), and guided reading with me (in small groups). In order to continue their success in Reading, it is necessary that I continue to purchase books for our Reading Centers.
Your support can help boost reading skills in the early grades. A strong early reader becomes a stronger student in the later grades.
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 Mrs. Johnson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
