My students need research based, literacy driven resources (games + kits) that they can use to supplement their centers and small group instruction in order to make a dent in the achievement gap in our school.
My students from Philadelphia are from an impoverished community in which resources, adequate parental involvement, and academic learning doesn't come naturally. While these students are in our school, we work our hardest to instill a good work ethic, a positive growth mindset, and pride in producing connections in the classroom, and connections to staff members that they can trust and go to when they need extra support. Often times, we have the resistant learner and the frustrated child that fails to see us as their ally and advocate. On the other hand, the learning that I've witnessed in all of my classes this year for some students has been heartwarming, and extremely uplifting to both me and the students.
These children have almost everything going against them but they are resilient!
Their underachievement has not been all because of them. Their circumstances have defined their situation. Negative behaviors get in the way of the learning process, but for many I've noticed better coping strategies and problem solving skills developing. They love to work with hands-on activities and benefit greatly from exposure to different role models, resources, and experiences. I want the ending of school to be the best!
My Project
Having intervention resources and fun learning games are absolutely the key to student success in my school! Having an array of manipulatives to work with for word building, sight word acquisition, building reading fluency, and writing skills is essential in classrooms where structured centers and small group learning is taking place. Student learning and student buy in is based on what the child feels that he or she will get out of the task and if it is desirable to them.
Colorful games that are durable and skill based are the most effective way to drive students performing below grade level.
Most of the time instruction is teacher led, leading to guided practice and then ultimately independent practice. In order for students to be on task during instruction time, they must have an attainable goal that they are working toward. Knowing that they can work independently in centers that access their needs and are FUN, it is more likely that they will be able to focus better on the lesson because they have something that they are looking forward to.
I not only hope to add to my students' success through literacy based resources but also by teaching about caterpillars and butterflies with resources that engage children, real larva, observation of the life cycle, and watching a caterpillar become a chyrsalis and then a butterfly is incredibly exciting for children who haven't ever been exposed to such a metamorphosis. It's even more exciting for me to see the shock and excitement in the eyes of the students!
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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