"Child labor and poverty are inevitably bound together.." It is essential to educate our students on the continuing global issues of poverty and its relationship to child labor. What better way for students to learn about the issue of poverty and modern child labor than through an engaging novel?
Our students are your students.
We are in a small urban community in Central Illinois. The students are as diverse as you can imagine, ranging from upper-middle class to low SES (40%+). All races and religions, and many nationalities, are represented here. They beautifully represent the norm. There's drama and mood-swings typical of middle schoolers, but within, there is a stronger desire for and intuitive sense of fairness and social justice. My students are reflective and passionate. They are adored by their teachers and admired by their community. They are OUR tomorrow and it is essential that as these middle school students journey toward maturity, we carefully and respectfully guide them on their quest for understanding of their world through reading.
My Project
We need 77 copies of the the book, Iqbal. Next year, all 7th grade students at our school will read Iqbal, a fictionalized account based on a real Pakistani boy who was a victim of child labor. It is written in a manner accessible to a broad range of reading abilities and is highly recommended by critics and readers. It will help our young people understand how children their age live in other parts of the world. Our goal is to promote a sense of compassion and empathy for others, as well as a better understanding of their own circumstances. During and following the reading of the book, teachers will engage students in a series of learning activities that will deepen their understanding of the issues involved in child labor and economic disadvantage. Armed with this understanding, students will begin to see their own potential as citizens with power to improve society.
Whole grade-level novels build a sense of community among middle school students.
By guiding students to become more compassionate for others, they will be more likely to respond to the needs of others, as kids and later as adults.
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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. Easton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
