Completed:Middle School Library for Struggling Readers
"I teach 7th-grade social studies in an alternative academy at an inner-city middle and high school. One feature of our academy is a focus on improving our struggling students' reading skills. Many of our 7th graders live in poverty and only read at a 3rd-grade level. We try to incorporate this focus...
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"I teach 7th-grade social studies in an alternative academy at an inner-city middle and high school. One feature of our academy is a focus on improving our struggling students' reading skills. Many of our 7th graders live in poverty and only read at a 3rd-grade level. We try to incorporate this focus on literacy into every one of the core subjects, as well as interdisciplinary projects. One way that we do this is by setting aside time each day for students to read with assistance from volunteers, tutors, and teachers.
Unfortunately, because our school only included grades 9-12 until recently, the materials in the library that are appropriate for middle school students are extremely limited.
For this reason, I am trying to develop an in-classroom library for my students filled with books that are directly related to my social studies curriculum and that are at a reading level appropriate for my students. Having these materials at hand will save time during literacy-focused project periods and also make it possible for students to read whenever they have free time after completing other assignments. Having a large collection of non-textbook books in the classroom also helps send a message to students that reading is an important skill and one that can be enjoyable.
Your support will make it easier for our students to develop the reading skills that they need to succeed in school and in life. Thank you for your support.
My students need a library of 43 books for a literacy lab.
Mr. R. sent this note after the project was fully funded:
Jun 7, 2008
Dear E, Jan and Mike, phyllis and Kevin,
Thank you so much for your generous donation. It never ceases to amaze me how much the community is willing to help my students. Nor does your generosity escape my students’ attention. They are amazed that people who they have never met are willing to do so much for them. They make comments like “why would they buy these books for us when they don’t even know us” and “Wow! People really do care about us!”
More importantly, your gift is the “gift of knowledge” that will help give them increase their reading skills and gain a greater appreciation for literature. I used to think that my kids didn’t like to read. I now know that they love to read, they are just behind their grade level in their reading skills. When given books that reflect their reading level they are more than happy to read. With your gift I can get them to read content specific books thus “kill two birds with one stone” – teach them the required content needed to pass the state exams, and to increase their literacy skills.
On Dec 10, 2008, Mr. R. followed this note with student letters sent via mail to the donor who completed this project, and to donors who gave $100 or more.
Reviewed the project essay and sent follow-up questions if needed.
Mike E. (staff member)
on Nov 7, 2007
Verified the cost of the requested books and posted this project.
Mike E. (staff member)
on Nov 7, 2007
Jan and Mike
from Rochester, NY
gave
on Nov 19, 2007
E
from Rochester, NY
gave
on Dec 24, 2007
"I gave to this project because of the incredible value on a person's ability to read. I can't imagine my life without reading or being read to, for so many reasons."
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Mike E. (staff member)
on Nov 7, 2007
