Spark the Joy of Reading!

Funded Dec 27, 2022

I am unbelievably grateful for the generosity that awarded my students the books they want to read. Most of my students' only experience with reading are the articles and passages they are required to read for a grade. I wholeheartedly believe this sends the wrong message about reading. Reading is fun. It's creative and opens a window to other worlds both real and fiction, and I wanted to show that to my students.

The impact of this project began before it was ever posted. I told them to use the internet to find a book they would enjoy reading, any book they want, and I will try to get it for them. They had trouble understanding this concept. "What do you mean any book?" was their response. "What are some things you enjoy? Sports? Cooking? Art? Make-up? Science Fiction? This book can be about anything you want, any genre, any format, any grade-level, the only requirement is you want it." The smiles on their faces made me realize no one had ever asked them what they wanted to read. The series of "Is this book ok?" questions from them solidified that realization.

After winter break, I had the fortunate opportunity to tell them the project was funded and they will all be receiving the book they want. They beamed. Packages started arriving immediately and they glowed as they helped me unload boxes of brand new, hand-selected books. They couldn't wait to start reading them!

Independent reading now takes place the first 15 minutes of every class. They arrive on time and immediately begin reading. I can tell by their body language and mannerisms that they are immersed in a way I have not observed before. It reminds me of when I was a teenager, laying upside down lost in a book, having no regard for what's going on around me. I'm beyond grateful to bring this experience to my students, and I hope they take it with them even after they leave my room.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Laster