Many of my students have dreams and desires to be truly successful in school, but many obstacles stand in their way; both at home and in the classroom. With more than 40% of our school's population being ENL/ESL, our students find themselves with reading and writing levels far below grade average. With a majority of students rating at third and fourth grade reading levels in the 9th grade, it is important that they get as much support as they can when they begin high school to better improve their chances for success. Most come from interrupted education from another country. Others travel without their parents and the transition from their home country to the United States without their family has both an emotional and a mental impact on their overall well being. While I cannot take away all of their difficulties, it is my absolute goal and pleasure to provide the most positive atmosphere in our classroom not only to learn, but to grow into well-adjusted and happy teenagers.
As a high school teacher preparing students for a Regents Exam, it is a rewarding experience to work and push them to their full potential with the right tools!
My Project
Our Upfront Magazine classroom set is a vital tool to keeping students up to date with the latest news from around the world.
I believe it is important that students are exposed to printed text as much of their world currently revolves around social media.
The magazines will not only keep students informed on the lastest events, it will also help them become better writers as they will be able to identify writing skills they use on a daily basis in the printed articles they read! When I began teaching students certain writing skills, such as the use of subordinating conjunctions and appositives (yes, even in history they learn how to write!), they began to notice these writing strategies in what they were reading and identified them to me!
It is also refreshing to see them holding magazines and not cell phones during their lunch or study hall periods! I wish all students had the opportunity to have these magazines and learn about their past and present with these easy to follow sources!
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