Extending the Discussion: Creating Positive Social Change
Help me give my students the chance to build empathy, open the discussions pertinent in our society, and draw connections to the literary canon required of our course curriculum.
The group of students who will be most impacted by this particular project is my Juniors and Seniors who are reluctant readers but are thriving in a climate of choice, comfort, and warmth. Additionally, much of our reading allows students to further develop their own narrative voice imperative in personal essay writing and reflection, but perhaps more importantly, has offered a "safe space" in which they feel comfortable and able to share their opinions, reactions, and experiences in life and learning.
Students have requested readings based on their own struggles, interests, current headlines, and (believe it or not) poets that write in the present time.
Many of our students' readings and reflections are a balance of stress management and socio-emotional learning--they see themselves and their struggles in the pages and know that they are not alone in the world.
My Project
Learning from home means equal access to the same materials, opportunities, discussions, social connections, and options. This is the only way to ensure equity and maintain a positive & healthy SEL for our students. Having used classroom libraries and book clubs in the past, these additional titles and resources will ensure that ALL students have access to discussion-worthy materials and the opportunity to reflect and speak their minds. These discussions can extend virtually through weekly book club meetings through breakout rooms that will allow for an asynchronous English Class. Titles requested hold a direct connection to current social unrest and will allow students the opportunity to reflect on their experiences, readings, and studies on civil rights and justice.
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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 Mrs. Staples and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
