I teach seventh grade English in South Carolina. I teach in a high poverty school with more than seventy percent of my students below the poverty line.
Every quarter we are required to teach a different aspect of literature. In the upcoming quarter my students are required to study nonfiction works, and they are dreading this segment more than any other. Our library is seriously lacking in nonfiction works, and these children need an inspirational story to show them that turning their lives around is possible.
I would love to use "J. K. Rowling: The Wizard behind Harry Potter" as a nonfiction work for my children. Ms. Rowling has an incredibly motivational story as she herself was able to rise through the ranks of poverty, a trial my kids will most surely be faced with. Not only is her story truly uplifting, but she is a figure they can admire for the right reasons. These children are accustomed to admiring celebrities and sports figures for their talents, but never someone who has earned their living through their academics. This is the chance to show them that their education can in fact pay off. Finally, this is a novel they will be drawn to, because her work is known the world over and beloved by millions of children, mine included. This will give them the drive to want to finish their books, rather than being forced to.
Your donations will help my class see that there are people out there to be admired for their intelligence, not their athletic abilities. They will be able to study a unit of literature where they have no resources, in a way that is fun and inviting for all my students. Your help will ensure that a future generation of thinkers are inspired by arguably one of the most creative and influential children's authors of their generation. Thank you for your consideration of this project.
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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 Mrs. Langford and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.