We don't want picture perfect books because we don't live picture perfect lives! Too often our books contain with main characters facing conflicts that seem trivial to my students. I want students to be able to draw parallels between themselves and the main characters in the books we read.
My students are beautiful, brave, and smart.
They may not currently exceed in math, reading, or history but they can do things I never dreamed of doing at their age. My 9 year old students can set their alarm clock for school, get themselves and their younger siblings up and dressed, cook breakfast, and make it to school on time! They can also attend to their younger siblings after school by preparing dinner, helping them with their homework, and even kissing ouchies.
I teach in a Title One School with a 100% Free & Reduced cost lunch program. My students struggle to engage in books about extravagant birthday parties or magic dragons when they don't know the next time they will get to see mom.
My Project
The books requested will be used as mentor books. I will use the books as read aloud books. The conversations that these books will evoke are priceless. They will not only be used to teach state standards, but they will be used to help navigate the difficult emotions and questions my students deal with on a day in and day out basis.
Many times my students feel isolated in the circumstances in which they live.
These books will open up the doors for students to understand they are not alone. The conversations surrounding these mentor texts will liberate students to discuss points in their lives they never knew they could discuss or should discuss. We will not only be addressing tough issues, but we will celebrate what they CAN do!
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 Ms. Ido and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.