My students need a class set of 30 grade-level anthologies, "America Street," 5 copies of "Thirteen Reasons Why," art supplies to interact with the texts, as well as a few alternative choices to inspire all learners.
Nearly everyone remembers being bored, disengaged, or confused in school, but nearly everyone also remembers the classes where they were challenged, motivated, encouraged, and interested as well. These books and supplies will be the springboard for a hands-on, high-energy, English class.
In a large high school of nearly 3,000 students, it would be easy for students to slip though the cracks, go unnoticed, and never make a personal connection.
The school is in a high poverty neighborhood, the students speak 55 different languages, and the building is nearly 60 years old. The situation can seem dismal at times, but hope returns when the students arrive on that first day with carefully chosen outfits, nervous jitters, and bright futures on the horizon.
My Project
"America Street" is an anthology of multicultural stories by diverse authors that will allow all students to find a connection to the characters presented. By examining the masters, the students can learn to imitate the writing until the techniques can become their own. The new Common Core standards require students to study a range of texts and this book perfectly fills that void. I have also requested materials so that the students can interact in a hands-on manner with the literature.
They can make bookmarks with the card-stock that they can write the themes on as they are revealed and they can work in groups to make short presentations to their peers about their assigned story with the "fancy" chalk. This unit will connect with their personal lives and background even as it inspires them to learn from obstacles they face. The class will allow all learners to participate and engage with the material and will motivate them to find hope.
I love my students and you would too if you met them.
The school can not afford new books to meet the new Common Core Standards and it cannot afford expendable materials that help make class exciting, hands-on, and inspiring. Yet, my kids deserve the best and if you help support them, they will rise to meet any new obstacle they face head on, with confidence, and articulated hope.
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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. Crosby and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
