My students need more books that are relevant to them. Mots of these are books students have asked for by name; a few are ones that fit topics they've asked for (sports and horror).
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
While this is my 10th year teaching, this is my first year in my current position. I teach 9th grade English in an urban, Title 1 school. My 5 classes total approximately 140 students. I started out with a VERY small classroom library, but thanks to donors and a few local resources, it is growing. I try to find books that my students will enjoy, but it's so difficult.
Imagine my surprise when I had several students in one week request books!
Once my classes learned that I am working hard to get them the books that they request, I've had more requests come in. I am SO excited that students are ASKING for books and I want to continue to add books to my classroom library that THEY want to read.
I truly believe that if I show my students I am interested in what they want to read and will do what I can to get them what they want, they will grow as readers and learners.
My Project
When I walked into my new classroom on August 28, 2017, I had 28 student desks, a teacher desk, and a smart cart. I had no bookshelves and no books.
"What is an English class without books and a bookshelf?" I thought to myself.
So I went on a mission. I found one bookshelf in the school where I teach. It took several months and being a "squeaky wheel", but I have finally acquired two more bookshelves. I now have a small classroom library, but I want to continue to help it grow.
Since mid-January, I have had students REQUESTING books. Some students as for books by title, others by author, and yet others by genre. These books have all been requested in one of these manners by my students.
I've got them reading. Please help me keep them reading!
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. Nyenhuis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
