Even as we start getting older, we can use a reminder to always choose kind. To treat others the way you want to be treated and be accepting of differences. Help us read stories about kids that have learned this message so we can in turn grow as readers and positive and kind individuals.
My students are sixth, seventh and eighth graders that are two or more grade levels behind in reading.
These students have struggled their whole lives due to learning disabilities, medical problems, family issues, lack of support, motivation and access to materials. 60% of the students receive free and reduced lunches and many come from broken homes. Our district is somewhat transient, as we are on the edge of a larger city and students come and go and come back again all through the year. This makes learning very difficult and often students are playing catch up in their classes. When students come to my class they are often unmotivated and have mastered "fake reading" tactics in attempt to fly under the radar. Many of the 8th graders have been in my class before and I am constantly changing and modifying my curriculum to meet my unique students' needs. I love working with these students because they have so much potential to shine and just want someone to believe in them.
My Project
Through a grant, our school will be reading Wonder by RJ Palacio for One Book, One School next year. This will be done in students' regular ELA classes. Since I am not their regular classroom teacher, I am not reading Wonder with my students. I still want to integrate and encourage the "Choose Kind" message of Wonder through literacy.
These five titles have themes that are parallel with Wonder - friendship, being different, accepting others, and kindness. We will read these books during a 6 week literature circle book study, and focus on reading skills, team work and deep discussions about books and life. This will in turn be 1. a stepping stone to fostering meaningful reading lives for my students and 2. helping them be kinder young adults and more accepting of others.
Going through middle school is tough, but reading about kids that have gone through the same problems you have makes life's ups and downs a little more understandable.
My students need books that have a positive message and will improve their reading and teamwork skills at the same time.
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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. Mosher and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
