We need portable technology and varied work spaces so students can access digital reading programs within the classroom. Since our space is SO tight portable devices with small tables and arm chairs work!
$839 goal
This project expired on August 3, 2017.
This project expired on August 3, 2017.
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
One day Jason, one of my creative, thoughtful juniors walked into my tiny classroom and said "Mrs. Reith, wouldn't it be cool if we could turn this space more into a cafe, a "literacy cafe"?" I could hear the enthusiasm in his voice as he rapidly spewed out his ideas and then took out a sketch of his vision to update and modernize our learning space from the outdated support room to a cafe style learning environment any adolescent would embrace.
See, Jason along with Olivia, Spencer, and several other students who attend my literacy support class cram into our classroom that is 1/2 the size of a typical room filled with desks and 4 desktop computers. The literacy support program provides extra supports for 5-6 students at a time using excellent online reading/writing applications and small group instruction. Their desire to transform our classroom into a literacy cafe with Chromebooks/laptops instead of bulky desk computers and bar stools with a high top working table instead of desks would allow for more space, more authentic collaboration, and a comfortable learning environment.
Struggling reluctant readers at the adolescent level have often had years of difficulties in reading and/or writing. Motivating them to try supports "one more time" takes a great deal of courage, trust, and high levels of engagement. Through transformation of the classroom into a more casual, inviting space that incorporates technology, the students will become more engaged and motivated to work. They will learn that reading and writing can be a positive experience while learning at their own level and pace through the use of specific online programs and one to one coaching. The portable devices allow them to move freely for individual to group conferencing. Jason, Olivia and Spencer along with all the other students who seek out supports would feel empowered and engaged by these learning tools. They can read books, research topics, and complete individualize practice within one device without anyone else seeing what level of materials they are using.
In Their Own Words
"My goal is to help my teacher move our crowded classroom into the 21st century."
"My goal is turn our classroom into a coffee house except it's serving reading and writing tricks instead of coffee!"
"I LOVE this class and have learned so much but it needs to be more open and flexible. I know that if this space were easier to move around more students could come in and get the help they really need."
"I came up with the idea of remodeling and using laptops/devices. Mrs. Reith encouraged me to draw up the plans and research the furniture and layout. I will help her with whatever we need to make this happen. We want our classroom to become a model classroom for others to see how an engaging environment can help us teenagers learn!"
"This project is important to our community because when we want to get English supports we want to learn in an open environment, not a heavily crowded, outdated classroom filled with the leftover computers. By getting funds to renovate our classroom more students, like me, will want to get supports and feel comfortable about it."
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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. R. Literacy Support and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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