Please help me develop a varied, exciting classroom library to support student reading! An abundance of research shows that independent reading - when students have consistent class time to read books of their choice - is the most effective way for growing readers to develop their skills and stamina (NCTE, 2019). Equally importantly, reading a wide variety of literature is a crucial way for young people to see their own experiences reflected, learn from different perspectives, and access new worlds (Sims Bishop, 1990). Finally, in-school reading experiences that are engaging, student-driven, and joyful can help to foster a love of reading. Therefore, in my ninth-grade English class this year, I hope to be able to prioritize choice-based independent reading as a way for my students to both build the rigorous skills they'll need to tackle complex texts and develop strong reader identities.
In order for students to have authentic choice and engagement in independent reading, they must have access to a classroom library that is truly diverse - in the genre, in the author's voice, in topics, and in perspectives. Our current 9th-grade library is currently limited and relatively homogeneous. Through this project, I hope to be able to expand and enrich our classroom library by purchasing a wide range of books. For instance, I hope to include poetry collections, engaging nonfiction books about science and popular culture, contemporary YA novels, and memoirs that encompass a range of settings, voices, and experiences. I am truly grateful for your support in helping build a joyful and engaging reading experience for 9th graders in this and future years!
About my class
Please help me develop a varied, exciting classroom library to support student reading! An abundance of research shows that independent reading - when students have consistent class time to read books of their choice - is the most effective way for growing readers to develop their skills and stamina (NCTE, 2019). Equally importantly, reading a wide variety of literature is a crucial way for young people to see their own experiences reflected, learn from different perspectives, and access new worlds (Sims Bishop, 1990). Finally, in-school reading experiences that are engaging, student-driven, and joyful can help to foster a love of reading. Therefore, in my ninth-grade English class this year, I hope to be able to prioritize choice-based independent reading as a way for my students to both build the rigorous skills they'll need to tackle complex texts and develop strong reader identities.
In order for students to have authentic choice and engagement in independent reading, they must have access to a classroom library that is truly diverse - in the genre, in the author's voice, in topics, and in perspectives. Our current 9th-grade library is currently limited and relatively homogeneous. Through this project, I hope to be able to expand and enrich our classroom library by purchasing a wide range of books. For instance, I hope to include poetry collections, engaging nonfiction books about science and popular culture, contemporary YA novels, and memoirs that encompass a range of settings, voices, and experiences. I am truly grateful for your support in helping build a joyful and engaging reading experience for 9th graders in this and future years!
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