This grant will provide a cozy and comfortable reading space in my 6th grade ELA classroom. It will create a welcoming, safe, and warm space for all students to access, explore and read books from our extensive and diverse classroom library. The materials purchased will enhance the ambiance of the reading area of my classroom.
All students, from reluctant readers to avid readers, in my 6th grade ELA will benefit from having a reading nook because it will create a comfortable environment for reading, which will play a key role in providing all students access to engaging, diverse, high interest books. In addition it will motivate and ignite the love of reading, classroom engagement, and academic achievement. This space will also support social-emotional health and community within the classroom.
Success will be be achieved when all students are using the reading nook to actively read engaging books daily. All students use the nook as a reading place to discuss books, read books, exchange books, and explore new books in comfortable and welcoming environment. This will enhance our classroom by having an alternative to desks and chairs. Students will also have the option to use noise canceling headphones, if needed. It will be a space dedicated to literacy while being warm, comfortable and inviting.
The grant will be implemented by setting up a nook in my ELA classroom. The shelves will house my extensive classroom library. Books will be organized, labeled and set up for easy access to all students. Comfortable seating will be arranged around the carpet and a system will be put in place by the teacher to ensure all students have the opportunity to use the library and reading nook regularly.
The grant items will be used by students in other 6th grade classes, as well as the 6th/7th grade NTS Book Club and enrichment classes.
It is important to understand that many struggling readers do not have access to a quiet and comfortable reading space at home. Creating this reading nook will create a safe space for these students to focus on reading, which will promote a love of reading and a sense of community. Benefits of students having a classroom library include raised achievement because a library: creates a reading environment, supports reading instruction, reinforces language acquisition, increases vocabulary, encourages independent reading, and enriches the curriculum.