Class Books! They Called Us Enemy: Studying Narratives & History
Help me give my students literature that encourages critical thinking and historical consciousness.
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Straus's classroom raised $458
This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
We are an inner-city school that serves a Latinx and African American student population. The majority of students qualify for free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch. Our classroom supports a range of talented students including English learners and students with exceptionalities.
Our students live in an underserved part of our city and are a diverse group of eager learners.
They come to school to learn and participate even when the harmful choices and the inaction of our elected officials create extra hurdles to their success.
My Project
They Called Us Enemy is a memoir by George Takei. It examines the United States internment of Japanese people during WWII in a graphic novel format. I plan to use this novel to support literacy and the study of history. This book is a great text for the English Standards of Learning. Components like literary elements can be applied to historical events. The vocabulary is rich and the illustrations reinforce comprehension for English learners. The Virginia Standards of Learning for 7th grade focus on United States history from 1865 to the present. The book intersects with many areas of study and is culturally relevant.
Research shows that interdisciplinary practices have a significant benefit on student learning.
An integrated curriculum helps students make connections and real-world applications beyond arbitrary subject boundaries.
I have taught this book in the virtual setting and students loved reading it. Graphic novels are like plays. Students make a performance out of reading the parts and the sound effects. My district adopted a curriculum that includes specific books our class will read. I plan to use this book as a supplement.
Nearly all 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 Mr. Straus and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
