My students need multiple copies of leveled readers for small group instruction that allows us to promote grade level targeted reading strategies by accessing high interest reading materials at the students' respective ability level.
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.
My Students
My students this school year are largely the same as the previous two years as I've been fortunate enough to follow them. Now 7th and 8th graders, I've taught about half of them for the past 3 years and have thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow into conscientious young citizens of the world. They are all diverse learners with minor to moderate learning disabilities, though few allow this to slow their personal growth and determination to succeed academically. A mix of boys and girls, these students have, in large part, grown up together in the same west side neighborhood. I am eternally impressed with their ability to leave aside the baggage of a challenging home life or the gang-related violence so pervasive in the Lawndale neighborhood. When they come to school, and specifically, when they attend my classes throughout the day, they are generally presenting themselves as eager learners above all else.
My students are not unlike virtually any other roster of students that I or another inner-city teacher might have.
They are filled with questions about the world beyond their neighborhood, but with few opportunities to learn firsthand. They are competitive, but supportive and good-humored, but kind. They are amazing!
My Project
The materials I've chosen are a combination of classic novels and high interest content -- both, providing ample opportunity to explore a range of reading strategies while faciliating an appreciation for meaningful literature. The books will be read in small group read-alouds, round robin, and independent reading at times. Many of the titles were chosen for the wealth of accompanying media opportunities they present, such as adapted films and such.
Under my teaching, these readings will serve as the nucleus of a series of multi-media projects, incorporating theater components, creative writing, and technology-based presentations, rendering the original content all the more enticing.
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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 Mr. Humphreys and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
