"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Nelson Mandela
We are a community of fourth graders, within the School District of Philadelphia, who are very eager to learn.
Our classroom consists of 32 students, a few of which receive special education services, as well as students who are struggling, English-speaking learners. Being an urban school setting, 100% of our students receive free or reduced lunches which means many of my students do not have the resources or tools at home to help reinforce their learning.
Since implementing Reading Workshop into our Literacy block, the students have been increasing their reading stamina and growing as readers. Their passion for reading has been spreading like wildfire throughout our classroom, truly establishing a culture of reading. They come to school excited to learn and read, and look forward to Reading Workshop each day. The sadness when Reading Workshop is over for the day is both heartbreaking and inspiring.
My Project
Many parents often say they don't know how to help their child at home. My goal is for parents to come into the classroom and see real time learning, so they can then reinforce these skills at home. Parents will be able to support their child's learning through the engaging activities they observed while in their child's classroom. If parents have the tools they need to work with their child, they will be more likely to support them at home.
Studies have shown that parental involvement drastically improves academic performance.
However, involving families in their child's learning can be a challenge. To increase parental involvement, parents are invited into the classroom to see first hand the culture of reading that surrounds our classroom. Weekly, parents are invited into the classroom for Parent Reading Workshop. Here the parents and children will gather on the floor while reading. Since our classroom is not carpeted, parents will be welcomed to have a seat on our comfy pillows and rest mats, while listening to their child read to them from a historical fiction book we will be studying in class.
What an amazing opportunity for students to share their love of learning with their families at home and at school. I believe that this will engage families in my school in getting excited and encouraging life-long readers, as well as increase parental participation in school, and help forge relationships between parents and educators.
Nearly all 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. Jannotta and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
