I teach an amazing, diverse combo class of fourth and fifth graders.
My students are motivated, enthusiastic learners.
Their excitement about learning is contagious. Every day, my students enter the classroom with smiles on their faces, ready to learn.
At S. Elementary, we teach reading using Reading Workshop. Instead of using a reading textbook where each student is reading the same text, regardless of their level, students get to choose their own books, at their own reading levels. Teachers teach reading strategies, and the students apply these strategies using their own "just right" books. This differentiated instruction helps us reach each student at their own level. It is so exciting to watch my students grow as readers while they read books that they love.
My Project
My main goal for my students is for them to leave my classroom with a love of reading. I dream of my students going on in their lives seeing themselves as readers and learners. Some of my students are already there--I secretly love when I have to tell a child to tear himself away from his book. But others have yet to find their niche as a reader.
Graphic novels are a great way to get my students hooked on reading, especially the ones who don't yet see themselves as readers.
Earlier this year, my class received a grant for graphic novels from Donors Choose. When we received the huge box of gorgeous new books, it was like Christmas morning. My students couldn't wait to get their hands on them. They devoured the high-interest stories and beautiful artwork, passed them around and talked about them with friends. And, best of all, students are inadvertently using all of the reading strategies we work on in class as they read these graphic novels for fun.
Now that we have these amazing books in my classroom, my students are totally hooked. They talk about the characters in these books like they are close friends. Many of the books we received earlier this year were parts of series, and now, they want to know what will happen to their beloved characters next. This project contains graphic novels that were specifically chosen by my students because they are follow ups to books they love, or are by authors they adore.
I am requesting these graphic novels because they are well written--which I love--and fascinating to kids--which they love. I am thrilled to see my students so excited about reading!
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 Mrs. Castaneda and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
