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
The biggest compliment I ever received about my classroom came from a student who said, "when I walk into your room I feel calm and I can just breathe. I know it's going to be a good day when I come to your class." I try to create a safe and welcoming environment for all learners.
I teach one hundred and ten amazing ninth graders in Jackson, Mississippi.
They are inquisitive students who haven't been challenged by all of their teachers. There is so much potential in my students and it can be frustrating to see them deny their capabilities. Ninety-nine percent of my students are African-American and one percent are Hispanic. All students in my district receive free breakfast and lunch. My school is most commonly described as safe and strict. We have zero tolerance for violence and eight weeks into school, we have yet to have one fight. Students hold themselves to higher standards because our teachers and administrators expect more from them. The state of Mississippi has graded our school a "C" and this year we expect to move up to a "B."
My Project
Shakespeare can be hard for many readers, especially ninth graders who have never read his work before. The best way to learn how to read Shakespeare is through constant engagement with the text. Students will each need their own copy of Romeo and Juliet so they can annotate the text. We will use the books to read through the text and then use them as scripts as we act out scenes in our final assessment.
This study of Romeo and Juliet will be my students' first interaction with William Shakespeare.
It is so important that they can engage with the text so that they understand reading Shakespeare later in high school and in college. I am trying to build a foundation to their Shakespeare education and annotations, and deep engagement are the best ways to lay that foundation. This donation will put books in the hands of my students and will give them an opportunity to master the art of Shakespeare.
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 Ms. Schapiro and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
