When I look into the eyes of my students, I see joy as well as pain. The struggles at home are apparent in the way they look at me and the lack of supplies they bring. There are difficulties my students need to face before they can even try to open their minds to learning. Many of my students qualify for free and reduced lunch, and some of my students even struggle with homelessness.
Even so, this diverse group has palpable energy and a passion for making their voices heard.
My students challenge me by asking great questions. They love to ask why, and I love the challenge of answering them.
My Project
I am requesting sets of "Ghost," by Jason Reynolds and "Listen, Slowly," by Thanhha Lai for my students to read and discuss in book clubs. These books were written within the past three years, and are relevant to the situations my students face. My students will be excited to see books on our shelves that are written by living, diverse authors, unlike a majority of the books our class has been handed down.
My students need books that are mirrors and reflect their own situations and skin colors, as well as books that are windows into lives unlike their own.
The two books I've selected will interest and reaffirm many students because they will be able to relate to the characters' lives. Other students will broaden their perspectives by learning what life is like for people unlike themselves.
My students will be able to use these books as catalysts for honest and authentic conversations within book clubs.
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 Mrs. Kerr and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.