Most of the 29 students in my second grade classroom come in every morning with smiles on their faces. They're happy to be in school to learn, to have fun with their friends, and for many, to get a meal in their tummies. 80% of our elementary students are on free or reduced meals, 15% are homeless.
The population in our small rural town is approximately 1330 people, with 80% being white and 13% being Hispanic.
Our elementary school consists of a population with over 75% poverty. The socioeconomic factors are such that some students don't have books at home to read. Reading is essential to becoming successful in society. Five years ago I began collecting children's books and other supplies for when I would become a teacher. February 2013, I lost all the materials I had collected because my shop burned down. Unfortunately, I had no insurance on the shop. Needless to say, I am collecting books again to replenish the books I had bought for my students' classroom library. My second grade students read in first to fourth grade reading levels. I need to accommodate all of my students' reading abilities. With books in close proximity to classroom activities, time spent reading increases. Through books, my students dream of what could be, to see beyond what they have to make life better.
My Project
WE NEED BOOKS, BOOKS, AND MORE BOOKS! It is vital to seconder graders to have a variety of books at their fingertips. These students are reading every chance they get in order to build their decoding and fluency skills so they are able to achieve comprehension. Providing my students with a library in our classroom will allow them to choose books of various genres, authors, and subjects. Choosing books they enjoy will grow their love for reading into a great habit. Stories with rich vocabulary will enhance their ability to understand concepts and transfer into their writing and speaking abilities. Having books to build a classroom library with will allow my students to become strong independent readers who can be confident in their reading skills.
Reading is a skill that requires a great deal of practice.
To practice, my students need books. A classroom library communicates the importance and value of literacy. Life for students who don't learn to read well will complicate their lives. With your help, we can promote the love of reading so that it's something my students will look forward to doing each day. Growing up in poverty, does not mean having to stay in poverty. Please help my students change their lives today.
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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 Mrs. Farbo and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.