This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My students are a diverse group from all neighborhoods in Cleveland. They are united by a common goal represented in the mission of our school: to become self-directed, reflective, passionate, and principled inquirers who are lifelong learners and social change agents in our evolving local and global communities. One of the ways they will do that is by learning a second language.
They are a very determined group attempting to complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme before they graduate from high school.
It is a demanding program of study that has as one of its requirements the acquisition of a second language. My students have chosen to learn Spanish in order to better communicate with Spanish-speakers here in the United States, but also to prepare themselves for careers that may take them internationally.
My Project
This year my students I started my students off on what we call "Lectura libre" (free reading) twice a week in Spanish. Many were skeptical that they would understand anything, but they have gained confidence through the year.
Reading in Spanish has allowed them to see language in context, to reinforce words and concepts that we have already learned, and to practice the art of deciphering language.
One complaint, though, is that there aren't enough books to choose from. I am hoping to add to my library for next year, but also to include books that are more challenging for my second year students.
Help me transform my very modest classroom library into one where every student can find a book that motivates them to read in Spanish!
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. Schwab and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
