My students need books that reflect their urban interests. I have one book on Lil Wayne that is absolutely THE most popular book in my classroom. Kids fight over it. A reading teacher's dream!!! I need more books like this -- books that kids cannot put down.
$346 goal
Hooray! This project is fully funded
Hooray! This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
I teach 9th grade reading at an urban high school. Many of my kids have decided they hate reading, and most feel very disenfranchised from school. Our poverty rate is high, and we struggle with gangs, pregnancy, drop-outs, etc.
A common classroom moment: A tough 9th grade boy has his head down, trying to sleep during our reading time. He's decked out in gang colors and has barely smiled at me all period. He looks up and asks to go to the bathroom; he wants to get water. Anything but read a boring book. I say no. He tries to sleep till the bell rings.
But wait a minute -- I've got a new book on the rapper Lil Wayne tucked away on the bookshelf. Without too much commotion, I grab the book and gently place it near his hands. "You may like this," I whisper, and walk away. Slowly, quietly, he looks at the book and begins to read. Twenty minutes pass; we're packing up to leave. I hear "Miss, can I borrow this book?" I smile and say, yes, of course you can. A reader is born!
Your help will allow us to have many more amazing books in the room, and with those books, reading miracles will happen. It is absolute magic to watch a disinterested teen turn into an avid reader. I can only do this with books the kids love. Because I listen to my students and pay attention to their lives, I'm good at picking out popular titles. Many times kids tell me they've finished their first book ever in my classroom. Your donation will create new readers. Your donation will allow many disenfranchised teens to join a club so many of us adore -- the literacy club. Share your passion for books with my kids!
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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 Ms. Kelt and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.