This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
I teach at a high school where the majority of my students are African Americans. The reading statistic at my school reflects what is happening in my state-- less than 15% are reading on grade level.
Imagine going through life and not having literature to read that reflects your race and ethnicity-- all of the characters don’t look like you and the authors of the books don’t look like you either.
It is crucial for my students to learn about literature and read books written by authors reflecting their culture. In doing so, group book discussion would become more relevant, students would become more curious and engage in reading.
My Project
A Teen Book Festival is coming to town! These books will include titles from each author. My students will have the opportunity to participate in the Teen Book Festival. I not only want the students to read the books written by the authors, but I also want them to experience meeting an author, and have their book signed by the author. This project is about providing a pleasurable experience for my students while connecting with other readers at a community event.
Imagine attending a teen book-signing event and you are the only one standing in line with no book in hand.
How rich would this project be by affording my students the opportunity to attend a book event with a book in hand to be signed by the author. They would be able to greet the author with excitement, and be able to hold a discussion with the author concerning their book.
This event is open to all teens and there is no requirement to purchase books. Yet, this project would provide books in the hands of my students to read for pleasure and it also would give them an incentive to be present at a Teen Book event. Students would be able to select their book and I would check with the student periodically to see how they like the book. They will be invited to the school library for group discussions about the book and about the author. The public librarian will visit the school to share more information about the Teen Book Festival.
After the event, students will gather to share their experience. I expect excitement in the air and more students reading for pleasure.
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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. P. J. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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