In the next 3-4 years students will be asked to take the MCAS in an e-format. What better way to prepare them for this experience than to get them reading (period) and to give them the opportunity to engage with e-texts now and often. What better way to entice reluctant readers?
My students are some of the kindest, most thoughtful children I have ever worked with.
They work hard and play hard. They want to succeed, but for some, reading paper-based texts isn't the right path. They need enhanced tools and multiple titles at their reading level, that they are also interested in reading, at their fingertips. My students want the opportunity to create and use technology in ways we have never before imagined--how can we not put the tools they need into their hands? We want to develop 21st century critical thinking skills in ALL of our students, not just those who can afford to buy their own personal e-book readers. We are a public school in eastern Massachusetts of over 400 students; we are always scrambling to find multiple copies of books that are not only at the right reading level, but will also pique the interest of our students and get them reading. E-book readers would put millions of titles in the hands of our students almost instantly.
My Project
I would like to use 6 e-book readers in my classroom for Guided Reading Groups. E-book readers provide students will the ability and opportunity to record their thoughts about what they're reading through highlighting and comment functions. Also, should they come across a word they don't know, there is a built-in dictionary where they can instantly discover its meaning. I truly believe using e-book readers in my classroom for those students who are not currently meeting the benchmark in reading comprehension will not only engage these students more actively in reading, but will improve their standardized test scores over time. My students will have the chance to instantly access books within books--for example, when an author alludes to another text, students may have a difficult time getting their hands on a copy of that text, but not if they have an e-reader that is hooked into libraries and e-book digital content.
Schools are moving in the direction of using e-books and e-book readers both in libraries and in the classrooms.
Colleges are moving toward e-books for textbooks and other curriculum materials. Why not give my students the edge they need to succeed now and in the future?
Students who are always saying, "I can't find anything to read," will have millions of options to choose from instantly. And if they don't like a book, they can choose another one without ever having to leave their seats.
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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. Connor and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
