My students need more diversity in our classroom library to reach our goal of building empathy. Non-fiction books and books about under-represented groups are vital.
Building empathy is a critical skill for young people to develop as it will help them see the world outside of themselves. The best way to do this inside a classroom is to read stories that reflect realities different than our own. I create space for this each Friday during silent reading time.
I have a wide variety of students in my classroom.
Our school serves students across all levels of income as well as many different races. We currently are battling the racially predictable gap in grades and test scores between white students and students of color, and one way that I try to counteract that in my classroom is through counter-storytelling. I try to think about perspectives my students haven't been exposed to and then bring those stories into the classroom, as well as bringing in stories that reflect the racial and cultural backgrounds of all students. I have voracious readers and students who will proudly proclaim that they have never finished a book in their life. It is essential to bring in a wide variety of highly engaging books to capture the imagination of all readers.
My Project
Students come to class on Friday prepared with a book of their choice. Maybe they bought it from Powell's, checked it out from the local library, or checked it out from my classroom library earlier in the week; either way students settle in to their desk, armed with a book and their reading log and dive into 30 different worlds.
Students are responsible for reading at least one complete book per quarter, at least 500 pages per quarter, writing one book report, and writing one literary analysis analyzing theme in a book of their choice. Students are encouraged to discover new books and develop their passion for reading, and students are required to read books at or above an 8th grade reading level.
Creating this space inside the classroom for students to explore novels of their choice allows them to read at level that is challenging to them, discover what interests them, and build empathy for those who are different than them.
Students need diverse book.
Middle school students need diverse books even more. They are in a developmental place where the world literally revolves around them. Unless pushed these students live and die by their personal dramas. Reading diverse books can help students figure out how to navigate their personal social challenges, put their own struggles into perspective, look outside themselves, build empathy for their classmates and the world at large, and inspire them to affect change.
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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 Ms. Siron and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
