EXUBERANT! This is a great word to describe my 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. I am a middle school Media Specialist (old-school librarian). My Title 1 school is about 53% Black, 40% Hispanic, 3% Mixed-Race.
100% are labelled Economically Disadvantaged and receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
My students have not had a librarian for over 4 years, and they don't know that the library can be a place to gather and create, peruse, think, discuss, collaborate! I am trying to build a vibrant learning center with options!
Some of my students were avid readers in elementary school, but their affection for books has been sucked out of them by assigned novels and forced testing on snippets of literature on a computer. Others are realizing books can be as riveting as movies, and in fact some of the movies they love are based on books.
All are having their eyes opened to the fact that there is a book for everyone out there- it's just a matter of trying a bunch until you find yours. Once found, that will lead you to others you will like, and trying new genres will push back those boundaries even more.
My Project
My students are reluctant readers! We were a charter school, then transitioned back to a public school last year. There is some ennui in terms of reading and learning after the fallout of that swap.
Help me create a lively learning center with relevant and appealing new books!
My library is open to students before and after school and during lunch, as well as during classes with a pass from their teacher. I have a unique opportunity this year while our student body is small (approx 400) to foster close relationships with students and help them discover the happiness that comes from finding the right book.
As our population grows over the next few years (estimated upwards of 1000 students), the foundation I am laying now will help create a lifelong reader/learner population in this community! Thank you so much.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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