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
When was the last time you read a history textbook? Do you remember it being an enjoyable experience? While my students do learn background knowledge through the textbook, it does not engage them or give opportunities for in depth reading activities that new standards require.
My students are between 13-14 years old and most live in poverty.
At this age, they are beginning to take on more responsibility in caring for their younger cousins and siblings. They come from mostly African American households with one parent working, sometimes multiple jobs. Because of the hardships they face at home, it is often difficult for them to "let go" and engage in learning. But once they learn something unique that they can relate to, they will surprise you when they dive into a topic and share their perspective. For instance, during a debate on the One Child Policy in China, one student argued a lower population to the possibility of less sports fans and less scholarships.
They value their education and work hard for people whom they trust and believe in them. Most days they do not want to leave school. Everyday they are making choices about what kind of person they are going to be. They have big dreams but are unsure if they will ever have the resources to reach them.
My Project
The eleven books I have requested follow along with my curriculum. They range from the Cold War to the trade of sugar and the beginning of slavery. Where the textbook can be too brief and broad, excerpts from these books can provide that interesting piece of information that can "hook" my students.
The range of possibility for activities with these books is enormous. Students will do literature circles over chapters relating to the topic we are studying. Students will read a certain section and write a narrative piece explaining what they would do if they were the protagonist. We will read an important section of the book and discuss it as a class, prompting debates. And finally, these books offer my students a resource for their book reports in the spring. While we have a school library, these books have already peaked their interest and they have some background knowledge on the topic.
Especially when in middle school, the brief and broad overviews of historical topics do not always peak my students' interests or provide them with an opportunity to participate in more rigorous activities with a variety of historical fiction and nonfiction texts.
Your donation will not only improve my students reading skills, but change their perspective to see history as stories of people accomplishing amazing feats, experiencing conflict and resolution, and struggling to overcome obstacles.
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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 Mrs. Eull and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.