"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." -Dr. Seuss

My students are 5th graders at a large charter school in West Philadelphia. Most all of my students come from low income households. According to current research, "Only one-third of all students entering high school are proficient in reading -- only about 15 percent of African American students, and 17 percent of Hispanic students" (NAEP Reading_2009). I am determined to raise this percentage, beginning with my class of fifth graders.

The students in my classroom have such a variety of reading levels and abilities! In order to provide each student with the best instruction possible, I work with small groups of 4-5 students at a time on their reading skills. However, resources and tools can be hard to come by! My students work incredibly hard and we are innovative with the resources we have. Currently the students (and teachers) are making do with what we have and an example of this is the picture where I am holding up my own makeshift whiteboard during small group instruction. 

With these funds I would purchase 3 small group easels which would allow myself and the two other 5th grade homerooms to post and model questions and vocabulary to our groups of students, which will help focus their purpose for reading and lead to thoughtful discussions. This type of instruction can also be difficult because teachers are required to manage several lessons at a time, the bottom baskets will be perfect for organzation of leveled text and materials for each group. 

A link to the Easel is here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Best-Rite-TLC-2-Deluxe-Teachers-Learning-Center-/391043337644

Reading is truly the key to success in the classroom. Having this resource will help us provide stronger reading instruction, and ultimately help our wonderful students become better readers!

Thank you for your thought and consideration,

Sarah Wright

Back Up Plan