Did you ever pick up a very challenging book and put it down because it just took too much work to decipher? Well, some of my students feel this every day.
My students are a brilliant mix of many cultures, social-economic levels, and ability levels.
They are brought together in this urban setting to learn from each other and share their diverse experiences. I have students in my classroom who read at a high school level and students who read at a first grade level. With this range, it is often difficult for students (especially those who are resistant or are challenged with reading) to find appropriate books.
My Project
This leveled classroom library includes books, book bins, and a cart. These materials will help students to have a variety of books to choose from at their own reading level. Finding books that are interesting is imperative to student learning. Many kids come to my classroom with an aversion to reading. Many have spent years being asked to read books that are too difficult for them. Trying to read difficult texts takes a lot of work, and therefore reading becomes a tedious process. With this leveled library students can easily go to a book bin and choose from an assortment of high-interest books. Never again will that same student wander aimlessly through the classroom library, picking up book after book that is too challenging. Frustration and anxiety levels will decrease, and students can get on with the journey of reading for enjoyment.
I am very excited to begin this journey into a leveled classroom library.
Reading research now makes it very clear: students must read at their own level if they are to grow as readers. With your help my students will feel empowered and feel like they are succeeding. Gone are the days where struggling readers work harder on developing coping strategies for "faking" the reading process, and in are the days where reading becomes enjoyable, safe, and encouraging.
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. Robie and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
