My students need a class set of To Kill a Mockingbird, and many different texts (fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels) from which to choose independent reading.
The IB program creates internationally conscious students. The AP program helps to create critical readers and thinkers. How do you prepare for both in 9th grade? Well, first you have students read To Kill A Mockingbird, in all of its glory. And then you give them PERSONAL CHOICE in their readings!
My students are from diverse backgrounds.
Many learned English as a second language, and many have parents that do not speak the language at all. I have students in families all over the class spectrum, from the very wealthy to those who struggle keeping a roof over their heads. My school is also moderately diverse in its racial demographics. The school has over 2000 students, and I teach about 150 a year.
One thing they have in common? A strong desire to learn. Each student chooses to be in the Pre IB program, or the Honors/Pre AP program. They have a drive to be better readers, thinkers, and citizens. I am hoping these novels will allow my students to reach more of their learning goals!
My Project
To Kill A Mockingbird is the first book I read in high school. It was the first book to introduce me to true analysis of a text, and the first to allow me to enjoy the craft of the writer. My students do not have access to the book. All of the copies walked off campus years ago. They deserve to read this classic story (and then analyze it)!
Also, as my students enter IB and AP programs, they must have a good survey of literature. I hope to expose them to world literature, non fiction, (and maybe a graphic novel) and poetry before they enter their 10th grade English classroom. The books I have selected span many genres, time periods, and locations. I want to use these to inspire my students to find their own path through literature, and also to help them become active participants in their own learning and reading.
My goal as a teacher is to foster creative and critical thinkers who are internationally minded and are driven to become lifelong learners.
This donation will teach future generations about innocence and justice through To Kill A Mockingbird and it will also expose years of freshmen classes to different types of literature.
I hope you feel these goals are as important as I think they are!
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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. Hutsell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
