Unlocking Potential: Empowering Readers to Thrive!
Help me give my students high-interest, low-level books, which are relatively expensive but have a great impact on kindling a love of reading, along with dry-erase markers, privacy carrels, and fidgets for stress management.
Reading is the foundation for learning, yet many of my middle school students face significant challenges due to learning disabilities. In our Title I Baltimore City charter school, where resources are often stretched thin, finding engaging materials that match my students’ independent reading levels is a constant struggle. The collection of high-interest, low-level (hi-lo) books I’m requesting will encourage students to read for pleasure, helping them build confidence, fluency, and a love for reading—something they rarely experience. These books will allow them to explore exciting topics without feeling overwhelmed by complex text, making reading an enjoyable and empowering part of their daily lives.
In my reading intervention classes, dry-erase markers will enhance interactive activities on student whiteboards, where we practice essential reading skills such as decoding, phonics, and fluency.
This hands-on practice helps reinforce foundational skills while keeping students actively engaged.
Additionally, standardized testing can be especially stressful for students with disabilities. To help them succeed, I am requesting privacy carrels to reduce distractions and give students a quiet space to focus. Fidgets will also be available as calming tools, helping students manage test anxiety and stay regulated during high-stakes testing sessions.
My students are resilient, hardworking, and full of potential. Despite facing learning challenges and economic barriers, they show up every day, eager to learn and grow. This project will give them the tools they need to overcome obstacles, feel more confident in the classroom, and unlock their full academic potential. With your support, we can create a nurturing, resource-rich environment that helps these amazing young women thrive!
More than three‑quarters of 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
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Rubenstein and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
{"pmaHash":"","showProjectRecommendations":true,"leadGenEnabled":true,"hideTeacherDetails":false,"schoolState":"MD","teacherPossessivePronoun":"her","PMsManager":null,"schoolGradeType":{"id":3,"name":"Middle School"},"TeacherPMForms":{},"completingDonationAmount":0,"teacherHasClassroomPhoto":true,"proposalURL":"https://www.donorschoose.org/project/unlocking-potential-empowering-readers/9213639/","mayHaveReplacements":true,"numStudents":30,"isEquityFocusV1":true,"teacherScreenName":"Ms. Rubenstein","isEquityFocus":true,"proposalHash":"-657979597","isApplePayMobileOnly":true,"progressBarPercentage":100.00,"monthlySchoolDonationEnabled":false,"photosPublished":false,"queryString":"","DonorPMForm":null,"shouldTrackEquityFocusV2":true,"schoolCity":"Baltimore","teachersOnPage":[9017921],"isTeacherViewingTheirOwnProject":false,"minimizedLeadGenEnabled":true,"proposalId":9213639,"proposalMessageFormModel":null,"numActiveProjects":0,"verifyShowPhotos":"","eligibleToBeCopied":false,"schoolId":98360,"schoolName":"Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women 348","authorIds":{"9017921":{"owner":"Ms. Rubenstein","donationSalutations":{}}},"displayedPercentFunded":1.0,"proposalsOnPage":[9213639],"pmaId":"","teacherProfilePhotoURL":"https://cdn.donorschoose.net/images/placeholder-avatars/272/teacher-placeholder-1_272.png?auto=webp","teacherHasProfilePhoto":false,"currentWorkflowStatusCode":19,"teacherChallengeId":22122028,"isApplePayEnabled":true,"fundedByTarget":false,"activeProject":null,"donorIdsForImpactPhotoCheck":[],"teacherId":9017921,"schoolCounty":"Baltimore City","fullyFunded":true,"isStudentLed":false,"isExpired":true,"schoolStateObj":{"code":"MD","name":"Maryland"}}