Great learning is taking place in our school, despite the uncertainty the pandemic creates. We are making sure our students have safe spaces to read and discuss books and the world around them. In 2019, my school library opened its doors for the first time in nearly a decade, welcoming students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Just a year later, the library is temporarily closed to the kids because of Covid-19. They miss this warm, nurturing space and the freedom to stop in and browse. Although we cannot open the library space just yet, we are getting books in students' hands, even as we keep preparing for better times.
We are steadily building a collection that reflects the diverse population of educational community, filling one shelf at a time with great fiction and informational text.
The task is a large one!
Our students are curious and caring, eager to make their mark on the world, and just beginning to realize that their community circles are getting larger - class, school, city, country, world. That hasn't changed because of the pandemic. It just looks different for now. And their need for great books also stays the same.
My Project
When we ask students about why they do and do not read, they tell us time and time again that the biggest factor is whether they can select their own books. Students want to read books that reflect their own lives and cultures and books that show them the endless possibilities of a bright future.
I want to give students books that they really WANT to read and keep for their own, personal library collection.
These are books from favorite authors such as Jason Reynolds and Jerry Craft. When students select one of these books, they will be more likely to take ownership of their reading and share the ideas that come from great books.
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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 Ms. Brier and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
