I teach kindergarten in east central Alabama. This year, my class is very diverse! I have a wide range of abilities in my classroom, from children who do not know the alphabet to children who came to school reading independently. This wide range makes storytelling so important to helping all of my children be successful readers.
Many of my students come from backgrounds where they are not talked with much. As a result, their oral language skills are very underdeveloped. Vocabulary skills are also weak. One of the most important prerequisites to reading is having a strong speaking vocabulary and strong communication skills.
As a veteran kindergarten teacher, I have seen the effects of a weak speaking vocabulary on school performance. Playing with language, stories and interesting words in kindergarten is the solution to the problem!
In Alabama, funds for high quality, literacy materials are very limited. My classroom allocation monies are mostly used for consumable materials like paper, pencils, markers, and glue. It is very difficult for me and other Alabama teachers to afford to purchase items like the ones in this proposed project.
Now, because I do not have these wonderful storytelling kits, I read a book to my students and try to make it come alive without props or with handmade props that really lack durability and creativity.
Help me to spice up my storytelling time for my darling group.
We need 2 storytelling kits that consists of 6 classic early childhood selections such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Each story has beautiful, durable props that can be used on the storytelling board or apron by me and by the students to retell stories.
This project will serve and benefit my students by providing them with a higher quality experience during whole group and story time. The visual props are interesting, colorful and appealing to young children. I know that by using these props, the children's interest will heighten.
For my students with weak oral language skills, I expect the benefits to be great! After I use the props, they will be given the opportunity to use the props with a story and retell in their own words. Of course, they will be working together to build on the vocabulary of their peers.
Math skills will also be reinforced by the use of these props. Sequencing, counting, number order and sets will be discussed and demonstrated by the use of props.
These props and stories will also be reinforced by my listening center.
I need these storytelling props! My students deserve a quality educational experience. My hopes for them are to reach their highest potential in all areas of development. I know how important the learning environment and materials that we use in public schools are to inspiring children to do their best and become all that they can be!
Each of my students are unique and precious. I want the best for all of them. Please consider my request for funding for my storytelling project. I really appreciate any assistance that you can give to support my sweet little learners.
Thank you so much!
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