My sixth grade class is active, exciting, and exploratory. Students are constantly exploring new ideas in science and language arts, and are encouraged to extend their curiosity through research projects. We love reading and learning new things by engaging in project based learning that often comes out of the discussions we have in class.
"I love this book," said one student who had just finished the novel Woodsong with our class.
This was especially critical for him, because up until this point, he had continually abandoned books saying they were "boring" or "not fun." I try to incorporate novels into our class reading and library that are high interest and expose students to new experiences. We are in a rural area, so introducing my students to new ideas or cultural experiences really helps to expand their horizons.
In our K-8 school, my 40 students are continually challenged. It is fun to have students come into my room who are excited about doing a particular project that they've seen my students do before. Our students are generally high achievers, meet the high expectations set for them, and work hard to be an active part of our community.
My Project
Reading is an integral part of my language arts class, and providing student choice in that is key. Students are far more interested in reading when they have some say in what they are reading, especially in middle grades when they are beginning to assert their independence so much more.
Through expanding literature circles and our classroom library, I hope to engage students in more meaningful conversations about the books they are reading, and ultimately create life-long readers.
The novels that are a part of this project are novels that are high-interest and challenging to my diverse student population. The graphic novels are great for reluctant readers, while the Inkheart series is one that my high achieving students always love (my current paperback copies are tattered and taped beyond repair).
The literature circle novels will be read in small groups that are student led, again playing to the strengths of more independent middle grades students. By offering literature circles thematically (Holocaust--Milkweed and Maus, distopian literature--Matched series, mystery--Three Times Lucky, Hoot etc.), I can ensure that students are challenged by the same central themes across a whole class, but that each group had some choice about the book they chose. I included some supplemental teaching resources for some of the novels to round out what I already have here at school, such as the audio books for special needs students and the teaching guides for some novels.
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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. McFalls and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
