Help me give my students beanbag seats and a variety of texts to develop their passion for reading, engage their thinking about deep themes, and foster the discussion habits of good readers in book groups.
My students are curious and passionate thinkers, discovering their identities while navigating the tricky maze of middle school in our modern technology driven, instant gratification focused world.
In a time of learning, when visual media dominates, it takes a thoughtfully planned, uniquely personal experience with texts to truly engage their deeper thinking.
Opening new worlds of understanding for them is paramount. While Portland offers rich and diverse opportunities for discovery, growing up in Maine has its limitations for some. Access to new ideas and concepts, pushing their thinking from self to society, and generating a desire to view the world through multiple lens is the goal in all their learning.
My Project
By providing each book group with carefully curated, high interest, and complex texts, not only can we lift the work of getting all students to grade level reading, we can push the rigor of their thinking through discussions and direct engagement with their peers. These book clubs will form the basis for a unit of study this winter. Students will be evaluated in areas ranging from their Reading Interpretation to the Speaking and Listening skills. Book clubs offer a multitude of learning experiences for my students.
Each unique book title represents a varied entry point for the diversity of learners in the classroom.
Able to connect through common interest and ability, students discover shared meanings and build foundations for future study and understanding. I’ve also included a set of beanbag chairs to help create build special meeting places for the groups to rotate through in their clubs. My students have been asking for alternative seating options for this upcoming unit - teenagers love to get out away from the traditional desk setups and these comfortable chairs will provide a cozy option!
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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. Jones and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
