Framing Dreams into Words with African-American Poetry
My students need 40 copies of the poetry book, I am the Darker Brother.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Gadye's classroom raised $336
This project is fully funded
"I want to frame their dreams into words; their souls into notes," wrote the African-American poet, Margaret Walker. Walker's phrase may not be reflected in the sixth grade "standards," but I believe her poetic statement will inspire my students to write and read more effectively than their textbook. I teach sixth grade language arts at a large, urban middle school. My morning classes include a large number of African-American students, an ethnic group that is marginalized at this school. In general, I'm seeing more high-needs children--some on free lunch, some from impoverished neighborhoods, and many with below grade-level reading skills.
While the textbook is useful, it must be balanced with large doses of inspiration. When I teach poetry, I usually type up other poems that I think will be relevant to my students and will provide a vehicle for analysis.
Rather than give the students my photocopied packets of poems by African-American poets, I would like to provide them with books of poems--the real thing. There is nothing quite like holding a book in your hand, digging through it in search of the one poem that speaks to you. I want this experience for my students. Not only will they learn to analyze poetry, they will discover words that reflect their own experiences or set their imagination going in a new direction. That's what makes them want to read and write. Middle school is the moment of truth for many of my students. If I can hook them with poetry, then I may be able to hook them into staying in school.
Your generosity will enable seventy sixth graders (year after year) to explore poetry and history, and to see dreams, pain, and hope crafted into lasting words. They will want to read. They will write their own poems, inspired by the forms and styles they find in this book. And you will have made that possible.
More than half of 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. Gadye and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.