"It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading...to stretch their imaginations...help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own." Katherine Patterson.
Our middle school is very large with a significant population of ethnically & culturally diverse students.
Also, we have many socioeconomically disadvantaged students. We offer a rigorous academic and extensive enrichment program with classes in technology, music, drama, and fine arts. We also offer a variety of extra curricular activities, one of which is my year-round library reading club.
For students, middle school is a time of awkward changes where they struggle with self-image and a need for acceptance. Students who join my reading club do so in order to meet other students who, like them, enjoy reading and discussing literature. My club fills the need of a social club, offering students a safe place to fit within the middle school milieu and to meet others who share their same passion for reading. Though my students have a wide range of personalities, interests and varied reading abilities, they all find a place at my table.
My Project
Over the past six years my club has grown in popularity, but unfortunately, my coffers have not. By providing my club with multiple copies of nonfiction & fiction books, my club will continue to exist and offer books to inspire and encourage reading.
With the adoption of the Common Core State Standards and its emphasis on nonfiction reading, I include appealing nonfiction books to help students develop fluency in this important genre. Funding my project will allow me to purchase entertaining and challenging titles at varied reading levels and genres.
Participating in my club enhances real-life critical thinking skills through analysis & discussion of texts as well as working in a team to achieve a common goal. Through my club, students are introduced to outstanding young adult authors and their stories as well as engaging nonfiction books dealing with historical and societal issues.
Having enough copies of each book is crucial for their success and the club's future.
Each book I purchase for my students moves them closer to gaining a better understanding of themselves and others around them.
If I'm lucky enough to have my project funded, more of my students will have access to great literature allowing for robust critical discussions. My students' lives will improve in many ways as they are exposed to challenging and meaningful text outside the classroom. By donating to this project you will help foster a lasting habit of reading throughout their lives.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Somers and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
