The Power of Words: Using Books to Discover Our Voices
My students need classroom copies of the books Max's Words and The Word Collector to help explore how we use our words to help create positive experiences.
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
My Title I school is tucked into a neighborhood. All of the students receive free breakfast and lunch, as well as a third meal at the end of the school day. Our students are excited to come to school to learn and interact with their friends. As the reading specialist for my school, I interact with each and every student throughout the week. We love to share and discuss books with one another.
From kindergarten through fifth grade my students are growing their love of books on a daily basis.
Students often stop to share with me what they are currently reading. They will stop me in the hall to ask if I have another copy of a book they saw a friend reading. They will thank me for providing new and exciting books for their teachers to read aloud. Students in various grade levels will talk and laugh about books we have read as a school. My students' increasing love of books is growing culture of literacy in our building.
My Project
Words can be used to hurt or heal. They help us communicate needs, wants, and emotions. I have noticed this school year that the students in my building do not truly understand the power of their words, especially negative words, have on those around them. A teasing comment may seem like it was made in jest but may actually hurt more than the speaker intended. I want to help my students see how they are able to use their words for good instead.
Next school year, we will celebrate the positive power of our words.
All teachers will receive copies of Max's Words and The Word Collector, along with 3 other books about words and language. The teachers will read aloud and discuss each of these books with their classes. This will allow us, as a school, to explore the ways in which we use language. We will delve into how authors use words to express meanings and ideas and then students will move into developing their own voices to create a positive impact on the world around them. With this exploration we will work to create a more positive school culture.
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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 Ms. Gingrich and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
