Reading is the gift of life. If children can learn to read, they can do almost anything. My first graders are eager learners and on the fast track to being strategic readers.
I teach at a large, public, urban K-8 school.
The population of students is the most diverse in the district. Our school population consists of students of many cultures who speak a variety of languages. Our classrooms are inclusive with English Language Learners and Special Education Students. A majority of the students qualify for free/reduced lunch.
Despite obstacles that the students face, they love school and put forth their best efforts in learning to read. Unfortunately not all of the students read regularly at home. And, some do not have an adult at home able to help with homework or reading practice.
As a teacher, I put every effort in making learning exciting and fun each school day.
My Project
One of the ways that I have found to get first graders involved in reading is to use reader's theater scripts. They LOVE it. Each student is responsible for a part, and often we act out the story as well.
One concept first graders work to understand is the difference between fiction and nonfiction. I need paired reading passages to help students see the text structures of both genres while learning new vocabulary and understanding. Reading logs will help students record and organize their accomplishments. Reading and vocabulary games will help support student comprehension.
When students have new and up to date reading materials they are more motivated to continue reading.
Keeping students engaged and challenged is continued goal for me, as an educator. This is not easy in today's world of video and other electronics. I believe with the right reading materials readily available to students, and the enthusiasm of a good teacher, students will eagerly "learn to read" and "read to learn".
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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