Helping students become expert readers is actually simpler than most people think. The "secret" is to put really enticing reading materials in their hands. Once a child realizes that words are the doorway to other worlds, they are more than halfway there.
I believe that the most important thing I can do for my students is help them become lifelong readers.
My twenty-two third grade students attend a Title-1 urban public school. They have limited access to reading materials at home. This means that the only things my students generally read are the books that I can provide for them at school. I find that it is particularly challenging to help my male students find books they enjoy. Of course, this is hardly surprising, given that the vast majority of books in our room are about girl characters or social themes that don't appeal to my boys. While I hate to generalize, Nancy Drew, Babysitters Club, and Little House On the Prairie just isn't doing it for the boys.
My Project
With these new books, you will help me infuse a burst of new energy into my students' reading lives. I carefully picked out books that I know that my male students will love to read (and hopefully many of my girls, too!) These are the exciting, high interest books that my boys need to tempt them to spend time reading instead of watching TV or playing their video games. I allow my students to borrow books to read at home and recess, but the books that they take home need to be interesting if the children are actually going to read them.
Your generous support will make a huge difference for my students.
I am passionate about teaching and providing opportunities for the most underprivileged children in my city. I want every one of my wonderful students to succeed, and I know that they have to become readers to do this - yes, even the boys! Please help me put exciting books into the hands of my students. I promise they will be read and reread for years!
More than half of 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. Zimmerman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.