Give the Gift of Reading

Funded Jul 19, 2016

Having books for our classroom has been such a blessing. Although intended for my year in Kindergarten, I was unexpectedly moved to third grade three weeks into the year. Despite this setback, the books have proved to be very helpful in teaching our third grade skills.

Students learn so much better through read alouds and modeling! Whenever I can use a book to model a skill that is being taught, I see the immediate benefits. Students can see the skill being used in a way that is real and engaging. We learned skills such as cause and effect with "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" and using illustrations with "Click Clack Moo." Students actively found adjectives in "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day." It's amazing to watch their imaginations soar.

Students do a lot of reading in our classroom with partners and individually. They are in their first testing year, and so finding books that are engaging to them that also allow them to practice comprehension skills is very important. Students read approximately 30 minutes minimum a day in the classroom.

I also love to use some of these books as "special" reading books, for students who have shown a particular struggle with reading but extreme perseverance. They love to get to choose a "special" book. It gives them a sense of purpose for their reading and accomplishment.

We are extremely grateful for your donations. My students are falling in love with different types of books and in love with reading. Thank you again!”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Massey