Most of my students have never been excited by a book; they've never been able to explore a new frontier through words and meet different people through stories. My students receive hand-me-down books that are often torn apart, missing pages, or no where near their reading level.
My students are from the a neighborhood on Chicago's West Side.
98% of our student population is considered low-income and many of our families live in poverty. Despite some of their incredibly heart-breaking circumstances my students are the most vibrant, inspiring, and courageous people I know. Our school is newly turned around and trying to improve the conditions that our students are educated in with high expectations, increased rigor, and champion teachers.
My Project
These Grade 4 and Grade 6 Classic Grade Level Library (30 bk sets) will help to build my classroom library. I aspire to have a library in which every single one of my students has their choice of books that are appropriate, engaging, and thought provoking. In addition to their independent reading, students will participate in literacy circles with their peers and we will participate in whole class discussions of our themed books. I will also read one book aloud each week to help make reading accessible to even my lowest skilled reader.
These books such as "African American" and "Sports" will help my students discover new worlds, exciting adventures, foreign people, and real life lessons all from their desks.
These books will provide the opportunity for my students to open their minds and expand their thinking. Lastly, these books will help to remind my students that they deserve more than torn up hand-me-down books.
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
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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. Arsenault and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.