I teach reading, language, and writing for half of our school's fourth grade. I feel that the best learning comes through hands-on, real life experiences. Education is moving at such a fast pace for kids today. They need hands-on learning whenever possible, which can be very expensive. If adopted I would be able to purchase hands-on group and individual learning materials for reading, language, and writing. Kids need a concrete learning base as a start in order to truly build later learning. Kids need as much application practice as possible, but not necessarily with a worksheet. With hands-on learning, not only are they starting with a sound foundation with a conceptual knowledge, but they are also more engaged in their learning. The more engaged they are in their learning, the more learning (and desire for learning) actually takes place. Please help me to provide my students with the best possible chance to succeed in today's society. If adopted, all funding would be spent on hands-on materials for student use.