Help support Ms. Kalvik's Classroom

This book was researched and recommended by my students in an effort to increase their engagement. My only 7th grade US History class has struggled to work together as a group and build a culture where productivity and safety are a top priority. By allowing them to research and make recommendations about the historical non-fiction book we are going to explore and examine, my hope is they will take more of a organic interest in the process. I want them to feel like they have some control and ownership over the direction of the class from an academic and emotional standpoint. To my surprise, 50% of the student recommendations were for the book I thought didn't stand a chance and reading their explanations gave me so much insight into why it was the right book for our class! I was really proud at how invested they became in the process. I knew that giving them this opportunity would bring them together as a class and it excites me to see how the book reading process and lessons will be received once we get them. I also knew this was going to be a huge expense. All of the books in the class are dated and undesirable looking, even if they might be extremely relevant and interesting. Their input was a going to be important part of this process. New books were necessary to get these students engaged. I know it is a huge investment but if they approved of the book choice, I knew I wouldn't hesitate to request funding for them. I know they will appreciate the new books and opportunity to read a book they chose. I will take all the help I can get especially if it is from the students who I serve!

About my class

This book was researched and recommended by my students in an effort to increase their engagement. My only 7th grade US History class has struggled to work together as a group and build a culture where productivity and safety are a top priority. By allowing them to research and make recommendations about the historical non-fiction book we are going to explore and examine, my hope is they will take more of a organic interest in the process. I want them to feel like they have some control and ownership over the direction of the class from an academic and emotional standpoint. To my surprise, 50% of the student recommendations were for the book I thought didn't stand a chance and reading their explanations gave me so much insight into why it was the right book for our class! I was really proud at how invested they became in the process. I knew that giving them this opportunity would bring them together as a class and it excites me to see how the book reading process and lessons will be received once we get them. I also knew this was going to be a huge expense. All of the books in the class are dated and undesirable looking, even if they might be extremely relevant and interesting. Their input was a going to be important part of this process. New books were necessary to get these students engaged. I know it is a huge investment but if they approved of the book choice, I knew I wouldn't hesitate to request funding for them. I know they will appreciate the new books and opportunity to read a book they chose. I will take all the help I can get especially if it is from the students who I serve!

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Kalvik's Classroom Edit display name

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Ms. Kalvik's Classroom Edit display name

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.