Reading Nook 2.0

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Stephanie Bacon
School Site
North Tahoe School
Grant Category
Literacy
Grant Date
2024-06-01T12:00:00
Description

This is a duplication of a grant that was funded for one other classroom at my school. I'm hoping to mirror the Reading Nook in Ms. Karwowski's class, so all 6th graders at NTS have access to a nook at one time in their day. 

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. 

 

Benefits of Program

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 of Program

Success will be measured by books read, smiles recording, and kids sharing their enjoyment of novels. Ultimately, I hope that students will finish more books. I note that a lot of students start books, but don't finish. I've implemented a review and reward program to incentivise finishing books, and I hope the nook will also help motivate students. 

Implementation

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.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes. In my current schedule, I teach 4 periods of literacy and interact with 80% of sixth grade students at NTS. All of those students would be able to enjoy the nook. 

Sustainability
This grant is fully sustainable, all items will be kept in the classroom.
Amount Funded
$1104.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$300 - bookshelves and baskets 2x
$420 - Padded Folding Adjustable Meditation Seat for Adults and Kids x6
$120 - Noise cancelling headphones and organizer
$100 - Ambiance fixtures: LED lights and scent diffuser
$90 - Soft throw rug
Shipping
$0.00
Taxes
$74.00
Other funding sources

Yes, and I have already secured funds for the Hi-Lo (specialized books for older readers with low reading level needs). This lowered my grant request by $300. 

Supporting Links
rug
chairs
book shelf
Notes

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.