Ms W’s classroom, via DonorsChoose
Leschi Elementary teacher Ms W believes a key to learning to read is listening to others. She wants to lend CD players with audio books to students whose families do not have the time or are unable to read books to them. But she needs help raising the money to buy the players.
Like many others at Leschi Elementary, Ms W has launched a DonorsChoose campaign to raise the $200 she needs to acquire the players. From the project description:
There isn’t a child alive who doesn’t like to be read to. My students and I cherish our read aloud time together, but once a day just isn’t enough!
My school is a Title I school located in a lively neighborhood where many families do not have the funds to provide any financial assistance to their children’s classrooms. We have many families who are newly arrived to the country after fleeing turmoil in various East African communities.
…
We are a beautiful and diverse classroom. My students deserve supplies that will provide them the greatest chance for success in school and beyond.
…
Many of my students do not have someone at home who is able to read to them because they are working, taking care of a family or perhaps do not read in English. Additionally, many of the languages that the families do speak at home (Tigrinya and Somali) are expensive and hard to come by in the form of children’s books.
By gaining these CD players and headphones in our classroom, my students will have the opportunity to hear many different stories, voices, and languages read to them on a daily basis. This will provide my students with a model of fluid and expressive reading and will allow them to enjoy books above their level while practicing the important skill of listening.
“Certainly, we’ve got a lot of needs, and not all of them are funded,” said Teresa Wippel at Seattle Public Schools, noting that the state legislature is not fully funding education. “We are always grateful for any support.”
There are 11 DonorsChoose campaigns for Leschi Elementary, including Ms T’s need for a rug so up to 30 Second and Third Graders can sit together during group lessons. In fact, Leschi Elementary leads the city in the number of DonorsChoose projects currently hoping for funding. There is one project currently at Stevens, a request by Mrs. F for items that would help kids get organized.
With most schools now in session, this is one way to give a classroom in your neighborhood a little boost.
it’s so sad that this is what we’ve come to. many teachers regularly dip into their own pocketbooks to pay for basic necessities like paper and pencils for families who can’t afford them. i would gladly pay more in taxes to properly fund our schools but i guess bike lanes and $800 aeron chairs for our city council members are more important.
“it’s so sad that this is what we’ve come to”
Gotta agree. Parents who don’t read to their kids?
salis rettop, perhaps you should re-read the story:
“Many of my students do not have someone at home who is able to read to them because they are working, taking care of a family or perhaps do not read in English. Additionally, many of the languages that the families do speak at home (Tigrinya and Somali) are expensive and hard to come by in the form of children’s books.”
This story is one of many where teachers reach into their pockets to provide for children the basic materials for the classroom. Education is not a priority with politicians in this state. Until it is,teachers like her will have to do everything they can to provide whatever is needed in the classroom. Maybe that’s what the 1.9% reduction in their salaries if for.
I used to work 80+ hrs a week during my training, I still read to my kids when I could squeeze it in. Every day. You can get free books at the library at Yesler and 23rd. Tired of excuses. Learn English.