Help me give my students more books that they can relate to and will enjoy. Books like "The Hate U Give" and "Dear Martin", I can't even keep on my shelf.
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
I teach freshman English in a Title I school in Michigan. Most, if not all, of my students receive free breakfast and lunch. They face challenges and hardships greater than I have ever experienced. Many of my students live in impoverished, low-income, single-parent (usually mom) households.
In spite of the countless challenges my students face outside my classroom, they are learning to become readers and writers.
I want to help them dream, think, question, and grow. As they continue to dream, think, question, and grow, I get the privilege of watching them blossom into amazing young men and women, despite the challenges.
My Project
This school year, I'm taking a different approach. I am having my students read EVERY day for 10-15 minutes. I am finding that they want books they can relate to, books that represent them. I also have students who have requested some books (like the 4th book in the "Shadow House" series).
All of these books either are books that my students have begged for and I can't keep on my shelf or very similar.
Right now, I have three students waiting for a copy of "The Hate You Give" because my three copies are gone. One of them was so irritated that it wasn't in, she told me she wasn't going to read anything---until I gave her a copy of "Dear Martin" and asked her to try it. Now, I can't get her to put "Dear Martin" down!!
It has been amazing for me to watch my students pick up books that donors have helped me provide for them. I have truly enjoyed helping my students find books that they like and then using that to find them more books. These books will help to keep me on the path of growing my students as readers.
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.
