Struggling Readers Should Access Classical Literature
My students need 8 ipod's to listen to the classical texts we are reading in class and participate in class discussions, despite the students' learning disabilities.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Middle school is a time for students to explore literature and develop a deep love of learning. Classic literature spurs discussions, allowing students to become free thinkers with real opinions. However, for a struggling reader with a learning disability, reading a classic is next to impossible.
As a special educator, I work with students who have learning disabilities in a low-income area of New York.
I work with seventh and eighth grade students who are reading far below their grade level. I began working with these students one year ago, and while some students have made significant improvements in their reading levels, many of my students are still reading several years below their grade level. Many students struggle reading texts above a fifth grade level and become very frustrated when reading. By the time students reach eighth grade, they are asked to be reading high level literature to prepare them for high school. Children should not miss out on this curriculum simply because of a learning disability.
My Project
Many of my students struggle with reading because of learning disabilities that prevent them from comprehending a text while focusing on reading. Several students are reading far below grade level. As a result, many of my students are unable to access the higher level thinking skills and discussion that takes place when the class is reading classics like, "To Kill a Mocking Bird" or "Of Mice and Men." If the text is read aloud, students can comprehend what they are hearing, allowing them to participate in grade level discussions and access material that may otherwise have been inaccessible. Using audiobooks and the iPod Shuffle, students will be able to listen to a recorded version of the text, while following along in their print copy. Through audiobooks, students can share the same experiences their classmates have when reading classic literature.
Many of my students are reading at a fourth grade level, but long to participate in seventh and eighth grade level discussions and reading.
Given time limitations, reading the entire text aloud, to four different classes is not possible. Having an audiobook that students can listen to will allow students to participate in the class readings, "To Kill A Mocking Bird" and "Of Mice and Men," texts far above the reading level but not above their comprehension level.
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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 Ms. Brockett and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.