My students need exposure to non-fiction to expand their ability to understand and write about rhetoric. These books offer the chance to participate in Independent Reading with writing that is applicable to the AP Language exam.
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
At my school, 100% of our students receive free breakfast and lunch. Our school is located in a large school corporation in an urban community with high crime and increasing poverty. Students’ reading levels range from early middle school to college-caliber. Some of my students struggle in a classroom setting, while others earn college credit because of their demanding schedules. For many, English is their least favorite subject because they aren’t confident writers or they lack skills in comprehension. For these reasons, I try my best to appeal to students with engaging materials and “fun” lessons. This isn't always enough.
A glance at our district’s scores may show that our school is mostly successful, but we are up against some of the biggest challenges I have seen in years.
The culture of our school continues to change, so I try to change my classroom too. My students need adults in their lives who are on their side, promoting them and meeting them where they are. I not only want to meet them where they are, but I want them to surpass that and rise to any challenge…because I know they can be successful. I just need them to know it.
My Project
Students aren't often enticed by non-fiction, AKA "real" and factual, writing, but these titles are highly recommended by students, educators, and readers alike. I always tell students that if they don’t like reading, they aren’t reading the right thing, and they are finally buying into that! However, while I try to provide them with books and lessons that are appealing, relevant, and even highly suggested, I can only provide so many on my own. I have finally found titles that students WANT to read, but maintaining a classroom library, much less a library of “good books,” is tough.
Getting books into the hands of students is so important for their learning and college preparation that I need to make books available when possible.
These titles will expose my AP students to writing similar to what they will see on the AP Language exam in May, but will also help my sophomore students widen their reading repertoire.
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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. Shartzer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
