I teach a lively group of 7th graders in a K-8 school. Many of the students have been together, in small classes, since kindergarten, and our graduating class each year invariably refers to the school as a "family." Our small middle school (just sixty-four 7th and 8th grade students) allows us to focus on these lively, inquisitive kids as the individuals that they are, and work to meet their varied needs.
One of my most important goals as a Humanities teacher is to engage students in reading: students of all abilities, with different types of interest, and from different backgrounds.
The books I've chosen for a book club unit capitalize on kids' interest in dystopian fiction. They are also carefully selected to meet kids where they are in terms of reading levels, cultural backgrounds, and personal interests.
My Project
Book clubs are a best practice developed to allow and encourage kids to develop independence in their reading lives. My 7th graders are already required to read both class novels and self-selected independent books, and I know book clubs will deeply enrich their learning. I have chosen dystopian novels because -- even in these uncertain times -- it's a genre that manages to engage all of my students.
Book clubs add a social dimension to the reading experience which is crucial for students at the adolescent stage of development.
Reading a book together is an amazing way for students to learn to push each other's thinking and lines of inquiry, to plan their own assignments, and even just to have fun enjoying a book together.
Having access to these sets of books in my classroom will benefit my students this year, and for years to come. I chose this specific set of books to engage children at all levels; with a variety of interests (poetry, science, and more); and from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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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. Oppenzato and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.