This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
What makes my students special? Their courage. Each morning they awaken before dawn in a city that has been nationally recognized, but not for anything positive. They know about the lead-tainted water, they know about the poverty and the high crime rate. Yet, they persevere. They arrive at our school seeking knowledge and love, and that is just what they get.
At my school, I work hard to build a safe environment where students feel wanted, appreciated, and loved while students work hard to build the life of their dreams.
From 7:30- 4:00 they are immersed in learning. They get fatigued and sometimes get frustrated. They may even want to give up, but they don't. They are the epitome of perseverence. They are witty, intelligent, creative, loving, and caring. They are a group of huggers who on rough days seek love, and on good days overflow with it. These children are so much more than their circumstances, and they are deserving of the best. While I can't give them everything, I'd like to give them what I can.
My Project
At the beginning of the school year, I began reading book one of Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" to my class. I used to read it with my 6th graders, but felt the 4th graders I have this year would like it. Well, they didn't like it. They LOVED it! We are now beginning book four of the series.
Each day as I signal the end of my reading by placing my bookmark back inside the book, the audible gasps, groans, and pleadings let me know that this series has ignited something within them.
Even my more reluctant readers enjoy predicting what will happen next and discussing the traits of the characters. My students are even connecting the idioms mentioned in the story to real life events they are encountering. This series has them hooked.
I would love to keep this momentum going over the summer. Several of my students come from homes where there simply are no books, or the books they have are not challenging enough to promote reading growth. By giving each of my students "A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Austere Academy" (the fifth installment in the series), it is my hope that they would be more inclined to read, not just any book, but a stimulating book, during their summer break.
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. Essix and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
