My sixth graders are going through a very tough transition year, the transition from elementary school to middle school. From the same classroom all day long, to a new class every 90 minutes. Lockers, no recess, and lengthy projects are among several of the new middle school challenges. Not to mention, these students are also learning how to succeed with a disability.
The students in my classroom are students with learning, emotional disabilities, and other health impairments.
Many of them have experienced trauma in their lives and have difficulty coming to school. Our classes serve students with a range of disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism spectrum disorder, and specific learning disabilities. The typical student in my class reads at a third grade level, and many struggle with math fact fluency. My students also need motor movement opportunities to help them focus.
My Project
My students need opportunities to learn to love reading. Many of my special education students read below grade level, and consequently, reading has become a deterrent activity for them. I want to provide my students with a classroom library, consisting of books that are instructionally appropriate but also interest-based.
When students learn to love reading, they will learn to read for more than just retelling information.
They will learn to react to the text. They will learn that they have a responsibility to the text. They will learn that reading can be fun. They will learn that reading a book can be more adventurous and exciting than playing a video game. They will learn the feeling of accomplishment when you turn the last page of a chapter book.
Reading is a life skill that unfortunately has become a chore for my students. With these books, I can provide my students with an opportunity to learn to love reading again.
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 Ms. D. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.