My students need 30 copies of the novel "Tears of a Tiger" by Sharon P. Draper.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Haus's classroom raised $284
This project is fully funded
These students need to read a book that they can relate to; help my Tigers become life-long readers.
Though I am a Minnesotan, this past year I have moved to Mississippi to teach seventh and eighth grade reading to the Tigers. I have decided to come to this particular region because of it is a very high-need community. Before I came, here are the statistics I was shown:
- This Middle/High school ranks 167 out of the 190 schools in Mississippi.
- The school is 99% free and reduced lunch, and offers free breakfast.
- Last year, only 32% of 7th graders and 20% of 8th graders met or exceeded the standards on the Mississippi Curriculum Test (MCT2).
- This school is known for having one of the highest pregnancy rates in the country.
Though I braced myself for the many needs of my students, nothing could prepare me for what I saw and experienced when I actually came to the school.
Many of my students face situations in their school that I could never imagine. When I walked into my classroom, I was given a broken desk, a broken white board, a broken computer and a broken television to work with. Beyond the lacking technology, up to date books are also scarce. I have found that the best way to hook students into loving reading is by using novels and stories that they can relate to, which is related to my biggest goal this year: create life long readers and learners. As of right now, I have few sets of novels, and most sets do not have enough for an entire class. What these students need is a book that they can relate to, one that they can connect with, and one that intrigues them enough to give reading a chance. Otherwise, I don't think we will have a chance at improving their reading levels, or becoming life long readers.
I have found a novel by Sharon Draper that my students can connect with on a personal level while also increasing their reading levels. The book is "Tears of a Tiger" and it introduces important themes such as drinking and driving, suicide, family deaths, etc. Also, because Sharon Draper was an English teacher for so many years, she included student work within the novel. Not only would this novel help my seventh graders connect with a text and it's characters while learning and discussing important themes from the novel, they will also grow in reading level, because the text offers ample opportunities for me to teach the standards that are required of me in order for my students to pass the MCT2.
By donating to this project, you will make it possible for my students to truly develop a love of reading and an opportunity for them to explore new ideas and themes that they have never seen in a book before. Thank you so much for your time and donation; the Tigers and I greatly appreciate it.
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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