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Mrs. Tolson's Classroom
Crestwood Elementary School
Richmond, VA
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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Passionate readers become passionate learners! Reading impacts every part of a student's learning- even math. Remember those long word problems in elementary math? The calculation is hard enough, imagine not understanding the words!
As an elementary special education teacher I believe that my one of my most important jobs (and joys) is to ensure that students leave my class as strong readers. The best way I have found to convince children of this is to make reading appealing to them in other ways. A cozy nook with fun seating and décor, that can only be used for reading, is a great start. Another essential is a large selection of current, fresh books that appeal to their age and culture. Of course my library includes many tattered-cover classics for my more seasoned readers, but The Call of the Wild and The Three Musketeers just do not attract skeptical or reluctant readers. These kids want the latest graphic novel that their friends are carrying around, or a story that they can relate to first hand. Every school year I watch the magic of kids who have struggled with reading, find just the right book and they turn that elusive corner from non-reader to "what do you mean it's time to stop reading!?" It is the very best part of my job.
About my class
Passionate readers become passionate learners! Reading impacts every part of a student's learning- even math. Remember those long word problems in elementary math? The calculation is hard enough, imagine not understanding the words!
As an elementary special education teacher I believe that my one of my most important jobs (and joys) is to ensure that students leave my class as strong readers. The best way I have found to convince children of this is to make reading appealing to them in other ways. A cozy nook with fun seating and décor, that can only be used for reading, is a great start. Another essential is a large selection of current, fresh books that appeal to their age and culture. Of course my library includes many tattered-cover classics for my more seasoned readers, but The Call of the Wild and The Three Musketeers just do not attract skeptical or reluctant readers. These kids want the latest graphic novel that their friends are carrying around, or a story that they can relate to first hand. Every school year I watch the magic of kids who have struggled with reading, find just the right book and they turn that elusive corner from non-reader to "what do you mean it's time to stop reading!?" It is the very best part of my job.
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