Reading Jocks are Training for the Battle of the Books
My students need two copies each of twenty high quality titles so that we may participate in this year's Battle of the Books.
FULLY FUNDED! Mrs. Barton's classroom raised $638
This project is fully funded
My Students
Being a member of a school team greatly enhances a child's school experience. But what if you are a reader, not an athlete? Can loving literature be cool? The citywide Battle of the Books allows readers to be part of a team, to work together, and to represent their schools just like the jocks.
I am the school librarian and I have been leading Battle of the Books teams for several years.
Our school is located in a community struggling with poverty and violence. In spite of this, our test scores are rising and there is a positive atmosphere in our building. This year we are rated a Level 1 school, because of our great improvements. Our latest challenge involves absorbing a large number of students from a neighboring school which just closed. All of our teams, led by dedicated volunteers, are an important part of our plan to integrate the new students into our student body. New parents were excited when I mentioned Battle of the Books as they introduced their children to me at Open House. Joining the team will give bookish students an instant way to belong and matter here. Unfortunately, the school budget has no discretionary funds for "luxuries" such as the Battle reading list.
My Project
The citywide Battle of the Books gives my 4th - 6th grade "reading jocks" a chance to shine. Participants read from a proscribed list of high quality, horizon-opening books. Readers push each other to read deeply, remember what they've read and get ready for the big Battle. It's a fabulous opportunity for bookworms. Team members meet regularly for discussions and to quiz each other. They participate in a number of online Battles. Finalists meet in person at the end of April.
The Battle books are available to all 4th-6th graders. As the year progresses, a core group of 20 readers is selected to meet weekly. In the end, an A-team is selected to represent our school in the citywide Battle of the Books. All team members receive awards at our school's year-end recognition assembly. The whole experience celebrates and encourages readers.
Your gift will allow our school to be represented at the Battle of the Books.
You will send the message that reading skills are as valuable as athletic abilities. You will give readers a chance to read texts they would not otherwise experience, to open their minds to other places and possibilities, to stretch themselves and become stronger learners. Our team is eager to return to the Battle this year. Thank you for helping us achieve this goal.
Nearly all 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
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. Barton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
