In this crazy digital world, some of my students haven't read an entire book since elementary school. I want them to be able to feel the success of not only reading, but enjoying, an entire book from start to finish.
My students come from all backgrounds, cultures, and belief systems.
I work in an urban high school surrounded by low income apartment complexes and affluent neighborhoods, as well.
My students are typical teenagers in every way, which is sad, because many of today's typical teenagers have never picked up a book on their own and enjoyed it. They are more into their cell phones, social media, and technology. In my Modern World History classes, it is so rewarding to see them expand their world view as they learn about topics they have never thought much about, such as why people fight for democracy and freedom or how genocides can occur.
My Project
I've met many students who claim they don't like to read, but I've never met a student who didn't love "Maus." In a history class, we typically don't assign an entire reading in my class. I have a very dog-eared copy of the Maus books that I pass around when we study the Holocaust and genocide, but my dream is to have ALL of my students read it together at the same time. The graphic novel illustrates the story of the author's parents during the Holocaust.
I want them to learn not only about personal stories of survival and resistance during the Holocaust and the effects of genocide, but also to learn to love to read. We will read the books together in class (so that all of my World History classes can read it). I am also pairing up with my colleague, a special education teacher, so that we can share the books and work together.
The reading of this book will teach my students empathy while they are learning about the Holocaust.
I hope this fosters a love of reading in each of them.
As well, I want them to learn that, through this project, there are people in this world who value education SO MUCH that they have donated books to a roomful of strangers.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Bostanzoglou and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
