As Dual language Kindergarten Teachers we have the privilege of teaching students in Two languages: English and in Spanish. Our passion is helping students become bilingual and biliterate because most of them have been through similar experiences as ours. Growing up learning two languages can be a challenge for many of these students and we want to be the best teachers we can be for them. Both Ms. Lopez and I went to school in Mexico only receiving Spanish instruction. When we arrived to the United States we had to learn a second language in order to be successful in school and in our jobs. We expect for our students to reinforce their Spanish language and learn English at the same time so they can be successful. Crosby ISD has goals for our students in their campus improvement plan. This project will be able to support this plan. One of the goals is to make academic achievement and student performance a priority. Our project will support different areas in our instruction such as literacy, math and technology. My students are in Kindergarten and are eager to start decoding words. They are always curious about new books especially small books. We requested emergent readers because not only are they small and will attract my students attention with their illustrations but will also help them start decoding short words independently and will give them confidence until they are ready to read higher level books. We also requested writing journals that will help students develop vocabulary and improve their writing skills in both English and Spanish. 

All of our students are at risk of not graduating from high school because they are limited English proficient. All of these students are in need of resources in order to succeed in the classroom and be able to graduate from High School. If we do not provide those resources for them there is a big chance they will fail. Students need to be exposed to technology, books, and different educational materials to learn new concepts and be ready for the future grade levels. Unfortunately many of the parents of our students are not literate and do not have access to many resources. We want to be able to help these students and the community. 

With this project we will have the opportunity to support 75 students. A crucial strategy to meet our goal in our campus improvement plan is that students will receive individualized, strategic small group instruction in class. The Texas Education Agency priorities are to build a foundation of reading and math. As kindergarten teachers, we have the privilege and the responsibility to offer an excellent foundation for our students in Two languages. In order to do that, we need some resources such as the ones listed. With these resources we will be able to teach in small groups and meet our students' individual needs. Our students will be able to use and read their books independently while us teachers work with a small number of students at our table. They will be able to use their math materials independently as well. Another tool they will have is their ipads. The district provides applications that are excellent and fun for children to practice their reading skills. These ipads need to be charged at all times to be available for the students. Writing journals are included in this project. These will allow the students to practice their writing skills and develop a love for being authors. This will also support Crosby ISD new implementation of "Write a Little A Lot" Kids need to write every day in order to improve in decoding and encoding skills. Math is also a focus in this project. Kindergarteners need a lot of hands on practice to understand math concepts. Manipulatives will help my students be more engaged and have more fun while learning. I am confident these resources listed in our project will benefit our students and help them develop a love for learning.