Eighth graders are a lot like fifth graders: the oldest in the school for one year before they once again become the youngest. Being the oldest in the building comes with its pros and cons, and when I look out at my students, I see a bunch of teenagers that simultaneously want to be grown up and young again. This makes a great deal of sense, as 8th graders experience a great deal of brain growth but have no idea what to do with it!
Getting 8th graders excited about reading is definitely a challenge - a challenge I accept!
My students see reading as just another assignment, and I want them to see that we read to learn about life. Reading is thinking. When these students figure out how much power is in the written word - their understanding of what learning really is will become more clear. What inspires me most about my students this year is that they have no idea what their potential is, and I can't wait to unravel it together.
My Project
Students will work in book clubs to read and discuss these diverse books. We will focus on common core standards in literature, language, and speaking and listening - along with the important topics these diverse books explore.
The books in this project are high interest, and appeal to a variety of learners.
The COVID-19 pandemic has kept students from being able to talk about books, and discussion is an integral part of learning. Student book clubs using these books will not only enhance their learning, but make them more empathetic members of society.
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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. Burns and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.