Past projects 1
My Summer in a Book!
Funded Apr 17, 2021I was so excited to share the news that books had been donated to our classroom, and that meant that every student would be able to take home books to read over the summer!
When the books came in, I made a big deal of opening the boxes and letting the kids look at the books, touch them, and talk about their favorites. One Friday afternoon, I pulled out all the books, and did a short "book talk" on many of the books. I let the the kids write down some books that they really wanted to take home, and then I used their lists to help me pass out books to the students to take home for the summer. All of my students were able to take home 3 books, and I still had some books to add to my classroom library!
Reading is a priority in my classroom. Kids need time to read and opportunities to experience all kinds of books, different genres of books, and books that are on each students' own reading level. Books take center stage by being the first thing we do each day. When students come in my classroom, they pick up the book that they are reading and settle in for independent reading. During the day, if an assignment is finished early, students may pick up a book to read. If I need to work with a small group, other students have time to read. It's that important! We even have parties for students who meet their individualized reading goals.
In addition, I read to my students daily. I try to read a book that is impactful. I call these books read-alouds. Reading aloud to my students gives me a chance to discuss/teach theme, characters/character traits, setting, plot, foreshadowing, comprehension, and REAL LIFE with them-love, loss, divorce, death, friendship, loyalty, hatred, etc. Also, by reading to my students, they hear a fluent reader. They hear how I "act out" the characters and they seem me sometimes wonder why a character is doing what he/she is doing. I also have the chance to ask questions, such as "Why did the author include that chapter?" and "Why did the main character do that?" Books have given me the chance to laugh with my students, cry with my students, and bond with them in a way that no other teaching resource can. Thank you Donors Choose for giving us the gift of books.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Knight