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"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention."
~ Francis Bacon ~
I teach high school language arts to ninth and twelfth graders. The school is home to 1,780 students where approximately 60% of the students are on free or reduced lunch.
The financial status of the families of many of our students have been recently affected by the recent closing of the town's major employer. Now, more than ever, it is important to direct students to post secondary education. My ninth graders, in particular, are also facing academic challenges. Of the 30 college prep students I teach, 13 of them are currently reading on a third or fourth grade level.
Reading, for many of my students, is a dreaded aspect of every school day. They gain no pleasure from reading, nor view it as a means of escape. Each day is spent attempting to avoid reading all together.
My goal as a language arts teacher is to help my students connect with literature through an authentic and engaging experience. I want my students to enjoy reading without fear of embarrassment or judgment. I believe audio books have the capacity to help me make that connection. According to Janet Allen, leading authority for young adult literacy, audio books are indeed an excellent vehicle for achieving this specific goal. "Once readers say they don't like to read often enough, it becomes a habit and a belief. I found books on tape to be the most significant factor in overcoming that belief system..." (Allen, 109).
Considering the academic situation so many of my students are finding themselves in, it is imperative that I utilize multiple methodologies within my classroom to reach each of my students. Audio books can help reconnect many of my struggling readers to a text that can open the door to a world of literary change.
Your help will ensure that my students have a chance to really connect with literature. Your help will make it possible for my students to improve their overall literacy skills. Without the ability to read, maneuvering through this diverse and sometimes complicated world becomes exponentially more difficult.
Lord of the Flies Read by William Golding
• Barnes and Noble
$26.95
1
$26.95
Night Elie Wiesel, Marion Wiesel (Translator), Read by George Guidall
• Barnes and Noble
$17.99
1
$17.99
Monster Walter Dean Myers, Read by Full Cast, Read by Full Cast Staff
• Barnes and Noble
$17.95
1
$17.95
Romeo and Juliet William Shakespeare, Narrated by Arkangel Cast, Narrated by Joseph Fiennes, Narrated by Maria Miles, Read by Joseph Fiennes
• Barnes and Noble
$22.45
1
$22.45
Stargirl Jerry Spinelli, Read by John Ritter
• Barnes and Noble
$22.50
1
$22.50
Speak Laurie Halse Anderson, Read by Mandy Siegfried
• Barnes and Noble
$27.00
1
$27.00
To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee, Performed by Sissy Spacek, Read by Sissy Spacek
• Barnes and Noble
$39.96
1
$39.96
A Separate Peace John Knowles, Narrated by Spike McClure
• Barnes and Noble
$17.99
1
$17.99
Fahrenheit 451 Ray Bradbury, Read by Christopher Hurt
• Barnes and Noble
$17.95
1
$17.95
Othello William Shakespeare, David Threlfall, Arkangel Cast, Narrated by Don Warrington, Read by David Threlfall
• Barnes and Noble
$22.45
1
$22.45
Julius Caesar (Arkangel Complete Shakespeare Series) William Shakespeare, Performed by John Bowe, Performed by Michael Feast, Performed by Adrian Lester, Narrated by John Bowe
• Barnes and Noble
$22.45
1
$22.45
The Canterbury Tales: Classic Collection Geoffrey Chaucer
• Barnes and Noble
$26.95
1
$26.95
The Odyssey (Fagles translation) Homer, Read by Ian McKellen
• Barnes and Noble
$35.95
1
$35.95
Materials cost
$318.54
Vendor shipping charges
$31.85
Sales tax
$15.93
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.78
Fulfillment labor & materials
$9.00
Total project cost
$380.00
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$83.41
Total project goal
$463.41
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$463.41
2 Donors
-$188.08
Donations toward project cost
-$154.23
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$33.85
Matching donations from our partners
-$275.33
Match offers toward project cost
-$225.77
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. J. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.