This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Project
I believe that every student deserves to feel seen, heard, and empowered in their learning journey. Many of my students have not been in a U.S. school system for long and may lack the confidence to engage with English-language texts, despite having a wealth of knowledge in their native languages. These students are eager to learn and share their stories with others, but the traditional approach to reading can often feel overwhelming or disconnected from their experiences.
By integrating graphic novels into the classroom, I aim to help my ESL students connect with stories that reflect their own experiences.
The combination of vivid illustrations and accessible text allows them to visualize and better understand the language, while also building their literacy skills. Graphic novels can make English language learning more engaging and less intimidating, providing a bridge between what they know and what they are learning.
One of my key goals is for students to experience the accomplishment of reading an entire novel in English on their own. This sense of achievement will help build their confidence and instill a deeper love for reading and literature. But beyond just reading, I want them to see themselves represented in the stories—whether through characters, themes, or experiences—so they know that their voices and stories matter. These novels will empower my students to better understand literature, see themselves in the world of books, and approach reading in English with confidence and excitement.
Through this project, I hope to foster a classroom environment where my students feel valued and capable and their individual stories and backgrounds are honored. Graphic novels will serve as both a tool for language acquisition and a way for students to share and connect their narratives with others.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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 Mrs. Bustos Diaz and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
