Some of my students are wealthy. Most are not. Some of my students are academically gifted. Most are not. Some of my students are readers. Most are not.
This year's group of students has been like no other I've experienced in my 10 years of teaching.
Usually students come to as "non-readers" (their label, not mine), but by the end of the first month of school, they will be introduced to at least one book they connect with. However, this year, I discovered this particular group has very specific interests and needs. Many had not had success in reading before, and were wary of my enthusiasm for books. But as I began to book talk, books flew off my shelves, waiting lists grew, and excitement reached an all time high for this group of students. Silent reading time morphed into something the students begged for instead of something that used to elicit moans. "Mrs. Shaffer, please just let me finish this chapter...look where I'm at in this book! You know I can't stop here!" (This particular students was reading We Were Liars by E. Lockhart). I want this love for reading to continue to build.
My Project
My students always have choice in what they're reading for silent reading time. This approach has allowed those "non-readers" to redefine themselves-to find books they love and want to read. Students are engaged. Because of this, I need to continue to grow my collection of Young Adult Literature. The titles I've requested are my most loved titles this year. These are the books that have waiting lists 10 deep. These are the books my students have recommended to their siblings, their parents, other teachers, their friends. And therefore, these books are in high demand. When these books are received, they will pass on their love of books by book talking them with other classes in our building.
I can't quantify how a love for reading can change a student's attitude.
My previous students continue to come back because my classroom library offers a wide selection of genres. I have seen students get to know authors, be able to choose books because they know, really know, what kind of reader they are. Students are finally succeeding at reading, and we want this feeling to continue.
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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 Mrs. Shaffer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
