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.
My Students
My students are curious fourth graders excited to learn about their community, science, art, social studies, and the many cultures that make up California. Our school is a Title One public charter school serving families from the local Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, California. More than three quarters of my students are from low income households, and many are reading below grade level. My school does not have a library, so students rely on reading books they can borrow from my classroom. My students typically don't have a lot of access to books at home, which is why I need to provide them with an amazing collection of books for my library and guided reading lessons. It's especially important that I stock my classroom library with books at their reading level that are engaging, relevant to their lives, and challenging. These books will help my students discover new worlds through interesting texts and realize the gift that is reading to learn.
My Project
I know that the best way for children to learn to read is through reading itself. The donations for this project will help students read with enthusiasm and voracity. These new books will help my students feel connected to the subject matter that they are reading because I have chosen texts with characters that reflect their backgrounds. For this reason, I have selected graphic novels, mysteries, and chapter book series with African American, Asian, and Latino/a protagonists. Students will have the opportunity to check the books out from my library, bring the books home to read each night, and share their learning with their siblings and families. I have also ordered a number book sets for guided reading.
Guided reading is a way for me to provide targeted, differentiated instruction for my students.
Each day, we meet in small groups of 3-6 children to discuss what we are reading, learn new skills, and practice together. These new sets will provoke academic discussion and get students hooked on new series and genres. The guided reading book sets will plant the seed for my students to become independent and critical readers.
More than half of 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. Schlomann and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
