Exploring Historical and Contemporary Struggles Through Popular Texts.
Help me give my students the gift of relevant literature by providing literary texts that reflect their culture and way of life
FULLY FUNDED! Mr. Richardson's classroom raised $783
This project is fully funded
My Students
The students I work with are some of the brightest spirits I have ever met. Growing up in the Black Belt Queen City of Selma, they see history around them daily. From their grandparents, many of whom served in the Civil Rights Movement, to the historic halls of the once segregated school in which they walk. These students are bright minds and spirits, but they suffer from the historical denigration of living in Alabama's Black Belt. Living in a town that's history shaped the Civil Rights Movement, these students and their educational gains have largely been forgotten. When coupled with the emphasis placed on STEM education, many of these student's literacy skills suffer.
These students need relevant texts to help improve their literacy skills.
The majority of the text in our library are out of date or do not touch on the the issues that are relevant to these students and their navigating the world has young black adults and persons of color.
My Project
These novels will be used in conjunction with state literacy and writing standards to engage students in thinking critically about their place in the world around them. Given that these students are black and brown, it is extremely important that they see themselves in contemporary literature and understand how their current struggles are an example of the historical state of being for people of color. Students will participate in guided reading assignments, classroom discussions, and a service project portion that requires them to think about how they can give back to their community.
As a youth, I remember just how important it was to see myself in literature and see my unique lived experience being honored and it is important that as an educator I help students discover themselves, their place in the world, and their sense of justice and advocacy.
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 Mr. Richardson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
