Hello! I teach 3rd grade at a small (and fabulous) charter school in Chicago. I have 19 amazing students in my classroom who have diverse backgrounds and needs. Many of my students are immigrants or first-generation Americans from Algeria, Bosnia, China, India, Kenya, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Pakistan and Morocco. Seven of my students are English Language Learners, still acquiring basic English skills. Three of my students receive special education services for reading, writing and math.
Given my students diverse backgrounds and needs, there is a wide range of academic abilities in my classroom. I have found that I do not at all have enough "easy" books in my classroom library for my students who have reading difficulties. Over half of my students really struggle with reading - they have trouble understanding what they are reading and they also have a very difficult time with phonics and fluency (being able to read with speed and accuracy). The majority of books in our classroom library would be considered on a 2nd, 3rd grade or higher level. These books are just too difficult for some of my students. They really enjoy reading and are able to understand the few chapter books in our library that are on the first or kindergarten level. These students are also so motivated to read! They really want to check books out of our library everyday to take home to share with their families. Many of them ask me everyday to help them choose a book that they are able to read. As their teacher it is frustrating to see their motivation and desire to read but not have the resources that meet their needs!
Having more books in my classroom that are on a first grade level will greatly engage my students in reading and help them improve their reading skills.
Everyday my students have the opportunity to check a book out from our classroom library to take home and read with family. We also have independent reading in-class everyday, where the students are able to spend about 30 minutes reading books of their choice.
In this proposal I have asked for a set of reading books that have been marked as a level J. This is a national book-rating system and this level is consistent with an average first grade reading level ability. This set of books includes chapter books and picture books on a wide variety of topics and interest levels that would help interest and engage my students in reading!
Your generous donation would help engage my students in reading books at their level! I truly believe that having my students interested in an enjoying reading are two of the most important factors in helping them improve their reading skills. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my proposal!
Nearly all 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
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