Help support Mrs. Griffin's Classroom

72% of the incoming freshmen class at my high school have never passed a reading end-of-grade test. My students don't read. They also can't read at the level where they should. To begin to reverse the trend of apathy toward the written word, one of my roles as their teacher is to provide access to words that actually interest them. Without interest, they are less likely to engage in the act of reading. To research what texts would actually engage my students, I did not spend hours online looking for the magic reading list--I simply asked my students! I asked them to imagine that if I had the funding to purchase any books that they would individually like to read, I needed to know the books they would choose. Each of my students created his or her "My Book List," containing at least five titles of texts they would like. They had to explain the rationale for their choices: "I chose this book because..." My goal is to spark interest in and respect for reading by creating a classroom library of books, not in our school's library, that reluctant readers have quick and easy access to. It only takes one book to change a life, to take a student from a lover of video games to a lover of video games and a lover of books. One written text can dramatically alter the course of a child's life when he or she has the potential to personally experience the power of a good book. My students are actually excited to read these texts! Thank you for considering the gift of literacy. Each title listed in this project represents a child eager to hold in his and her hands "this one because" someone like you wants to grow readers.

About my class

72% of the incoming freshmen class at my high school have never passed a reading end-of-grade test. My students don't read. They also can't read at the level where they should. To begin to reverse the trend of apathy toward the written word, one of my roles as their teacher is to provide access to words that actually interest them. Without interest, they are less likely to engage in the act of reading. To research what texts would actually engage my students, I did not spend hours online looking for the magic reading list--I simply asked my students! I asked them to imagine that if I had the funding to purchase any books that they would individually like to read, I needed to know the books they would choose. Each of my students created his or her "My Book List," containing at least five titles of texts they would like. They had to explain the rationale for their choices: "I chose this book because..." My goal is to spark interest in and respect for reading by creating a classroom library of books, not in our school's library, that reluctant readers have quick and easy access to. It only takes one book to change a life, to take a student from a lover of video games to a lover of video games and a lover of books. One written text can dramatically alter the course of a child's life when he or she has the potential to personally experience the power of a good book. My students are actually excited to read these texts! Thank you for considering the gift of literacy. Each title listed in this project represents a child eager to hold in his and her hands "this one because" someone like you wants to grow readers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Griffin's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Griffin's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Griffin's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Griffin's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Share this classroom

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.