My students need 6 class sets of books to start them off on an enjoyable series that will give them plenty of reading options and help them build reading stamina.
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
Reading does not come easy for many of my 7th graders. As their Special Education teacher, I help them overcome not only their disabilities but also their negative perceptions about reading. I've been told, "My parents don't read and they do just fine", "I hate reading", and "Reading is boring".
We're a middle school in an urban district in Central Texas.
Our population is 95% Economically Disadvantaged, 40% Limited English Proficient, 25% Mobile, and 64% At-Risk. My job is to assist students receiving Special Education services succeed in their English/Language Arts classes which are taught by Gen Ed teachers. There is no "pull-out" for my students, and I don't want to single out any student who might be sensitive about being in Special Ed. Therefore, I really help all of the students in the class. I especially need to help when the Gen Ed teacher is absent, and the best way to do this is to read an engaging class novel.
They all have enjoyed reading Brothers In Arms, which I gave to them last year through my first DonorsChoose.org project. Now they are asking me if they can read more books from the series. The library seldom has available copies due to the popularity of the series, and not enough of any one book to read as an entire class.
My Project
These books are from the Bluford High series (http://bluford.org), 18 books about young people who share the same cultures as our students. I have found these books to be unrivaled as the most enjoyable, meaningful, and attention-grabbing books that students often tell me are the first chapter book that they have been able to read cover-to-cover. Whenever we have Drop Everything and Read time or need lesson plans when the Gen Ed teacher is absent, these books will be perfect for giving the whole class a productive, enriching reading experience.
Brothers In Arms was just the beginning.
Now students need to keep up with the good habit they started when they first read that book. Stamina is important when reading, and it can be easily accomplished when reading is fun. My students will discover that it is in fact not boring to read as long as one has chosen the right book.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Santellana and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
