My students need 50 copies of Where the Red Fern Grows. This is a required reading for fifth graders in our county and my students always love reading it.
Books take you to places you've only dreamed of visiting. We've traveled to faraway lands and visited imaginary places by reading. Historical events come to life as we read about them. In my fifth grade classroom, reading is a priority.
We are a school of approximately 700 students in preschool through 6th grade.
Located in a rural Kentucky county, our population comes from a rich agricultural past that is looking to the next generation for new methods of making a living. Many of our 5th grade students receive free or reduced lunch. This sometimes can mean they don't have a lot of extra money for materials. Working together with our PTO, we've been able to provide the items they need. That basically describes our school--working together to help all students be successful.
My Project
Have you ever read a book that touched you deeply? One that you remembered many years afterwards? Where the Red Fern Grows is that novel. Each year when we read it, I'm left with students begging to read more. I'm also impressed by the life lessons it teaches, such as determination and family love. When Billy loses his beloved dogs, the Kleenex boxes in my room are empty. Boys and girls alike benefit from reading the story of the sacred red fern.
The paperback copies we are currently using have been around for about ten years.
Needless to say, it was a real challenge this year even finding complete books. Most days I would tell the class what pages we were reading, and they'd scramble to find those book pieces. Having new, complete books will enhance the wonderful reading experience this novel provides.
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. Bartley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.