I teach in one of the largest middle schools in the state. We have student populations from every socioeconomic level and upbringing. A large majority of my students are incredibly bright and require a good deal of challenging and complex materials. While we have access to a large library, my students are hungry for even more information and insight into our large and ever changing world.
Each of my classes presents a unique and exciting challenge, the levels of reading ability and interest are vastly different.
I have students who wish to become engineers, artists, professional athletes, public servants, writers, and the list goes on. They come from highly motivated families or families that are looking for a one of a kind educational experience. This mix of desires, abilities, and interests can be overwhelming for some, but here I see it as a wonderful challenge to provide thought provoking and engaging texts.
My Project
The current climate of education is one that is moving towards a classroom structure called personalized learning. In an English Language Arts classroom, personalized learning is easily accomplished by providing a range of texts to choose from, both in ability and in content. Students are able to select texts to read on their own or with a small group. The texts I have selected just begin to scratch the surface of the stories and viewpoints they wish to read, write about, and discuss.
Character's like Auggie from Wonder, Rashad from All American Boys, and Ishmael from A Long Way gone each present unique and thought-provoking tales that will challenge my students in several ways.
Their stories will help my students understand worlds they know little about, or help them identify with characters that are dealing with very relevant challenges. Through personalized learning, my students can take time to find texts that speak to them most. Funding this project will allow me to provide this opportunity to my students in my own classroom.
I have selected texts in batches of five in order to provide multiple students an opportunity to read these texts at the same time. They can accomplish this on their own, with a partner, or with a small group. Books like Wonder will be a great experience for students to have in a small group, where as A Long Way Gone or Ghost may be enjoyed by a partnership or solo. I am also looking to send copies home occasionally to parents or siblings to read along with students. Having the extra copies of each of these titles will provide me and my students with a wealth of opportunities.
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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 Mr. Hodge and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
