Reading carries children to grand places, introduces them to new friends and creates adventures far beyond the classroom!
Two words: Budget Cuts. Two more words: My students. I feel so defeated as I try to motivate them with bland, old books. A major goal of first grade is to teach the skills needed to read. My students are being cheated and my "Just Right" library is the culprit. Our classroom library is not empty, however; it does not have an adequate supply of books to meet my first grader's needs. My school follows the Columbia Teacher's College Reading Curriculum. "Just Right" books are a core part of student instruction and learning. These books are leveled and meet the children where they are as readers. The goal is to engage each child in daily, meaningful, quality reading experiences. My children are constantly growing as readers therefore they need a constant supply of books that fulfill their reading appetites. Each of my twenty-five students shops for at least five books per week between classwork and homework. In an attempt to create a better "Just Right" library I use my Scholastic Book Club points to purchase new books monthly, I go online and find wonderful leveled books to purchase. My challenge is, I simply can't afford to buy the books my student's need.
As my class prepared to "shop for books" I bought an exciting talking cash register that scans and recognizes barcodes! I placed barcodes on bookmarks and laminated them as part of this Reading Extravaganza. We had our denim book baggies all ready for shopping. Yet, the problem that greeted us that October day, and every shopping day since is our inadequate library. By helping to provide my students with more quality leveled books, you will be opening up doors for them to explore new places, and use the strategies they are learning. In addition, you will be helping me to become a better teacher by providing me with more resources for my students. I will continue to build this library we start together.
If you could hear the conversations my first graders have about their reading...If you could imagine the smiles on their faces when they sound out a word, or connect with a character... They celebrate as they grow from level to level as readers. Please join us in this important work. Help provide my students with the tools they need to continue to grow as readers. Your help will bring so much to our first grade classroom this year, and for years to come!
More than three‑quarters 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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