This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
I teach fifth grade in an inner city school school. My school is a Title 1 school and the majority of the students live in poverty.
Fifth grade, the last in elementary school, is a tough year for kids. They struggle with increasing social pressures, making good choices and becoming a teenager. While their mind is on social matters, there is no room for social time in school.
On top of this, fifth grade in Georgia is a high-stakes year. What does this mean? If they don't pass the end-of-year reading and math standardized tests, they don't move onto middle school.
These demands mean intense, fast-paced strategic instruction with programs, readers and skill-building. But what happened to reading for pleasure?
In addition to regular instruction, I want to start Book Clubs for my students. The 4 person collaborative clubs will choose their own assignments, discuss their reading (using their class-learned strategies!) and hone teamwork skills. They will practice their reading, get some much needed social time, and cultivate a love of reading for pleasure- so that they can continue to be successful beyond fifth grade.
My students won't get the opportunity for fun and productive reading without your help. Many students don't have books or reading available at home. Give them a book that will spark a love for reading!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. R. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.