I work with 80 sixth through eighth grade English Language Learners. They come to us with a variety of language backgrounds, and a passion for learning. Our students can be completely literate in their first language or come from a community where they were not given the chance at an education. It is my privilege to help these students navigate a new language, culture, and country.
These middle schoolers are incredibly diverse and bring their own story to the classroom.
As their teacher, it is my job to help them to embrace and tell that story. To be proud of their first language and to grow into their second. In our class, we work to create a safe space for all students to learn and grow.
My Project
For this project I wanted to focus on picking books that represent the students I serve. I want them to look at the cover of these new books and see faces that reflect themselves. To read these texts and hear stories that mirror their own lives. To help students who don't have similar stories to develop empathy for their peers.
Representation Matters!
I need for my students to see that their stories are worth telling. I hope that they claim the authorship of their own tales, and that perhaps one day, they too, will be immortalized in a book. Books have power, and if students see themselves in a book, hopefully they will feel empowered as well.
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. Sunley and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
