My students are in the beginning stages of reading, therefore many are unable to independently read great books that are above their level. Comfortable chairs and a listening center provide students the opportunity to block out the rest of the world and get lost in a book.
My students are first graders in rural West Virginia.
Our school is Pre-K through 5th with over 500 students. We have a poverty rate of over 70%. There are basically two careers in our area: coal mining or teaching. The one coal mine has recently made many cuts making more students fall into free or reduced lunch category. Many come to school hungry and inappropriately clothed. Education is not the first priority for their families as they are caught in the cycle poverty often brings.
However, being only six years old gives me the opportunity to bring happiness and light to their lives. They are still young enough to see the world with wide eyes and curiosity. My classroom can be their safe haven as well as a place to be inspired for greatness.
Currently I have twelve girls and eight boys. Three of which are currently involved with child protective services. They are at an age where small things bring them joy.
My Project
Reading is my passion and giving students the gift of reading is the reason I teach. Everyday we rotate through reading centers and small group instruction. I work with each group on their reading level providing explicit instruction and support. While I am working with about six students, the rest of the students practice language arts skills in reading centers. I currently have centers that work on phonics, writing, computer skills, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. I need a listening center to promote literacy skills. I would like to use the bean bag chairs for them to sit comfortably in so they are relaxed and able to focus on the book. I already have headphones but need a quality cd/tape player to play the books being read aloud. I want the tape player portion because I plan to record "mystery readers" with our favorite books. Students will learn comprehension skills as well as gain a love for the different worlds one can visit when lost in a good book.
Cramped and crowded is the best description of our little room and in order to create comfortable learning centers I have to be creative.
I am great at creating little alcoves for a learning center, but I need your help to make them comfortable. Adding the listening center promotes reading fluency and enjoyment. Comfortable seating combined with headphones and listening to a good book may be the only true relaxation and learning time some children receive.
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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