This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
Reading is the gateway to infinite worlds. I teach 5th grade Language Arts in an under-funded Pennsylvania school. Our school encourages creative expression with a focus on Literacy. Nevertheless, we do not always have the administrative or financial support necessary to accomplish certain learning goals within the classroom. I would love to see my students accomplishing more through the use of different types of texts.
Teaching 5th grade Literacy is a challenging feat. This task becomes especially difficult when your urban school is in a financial bind. As such, classes are short on resources and learning materials. For students to experience school in a more meaningful way, it would be extremely helpful to have copies of texts.
My students have shown a particular interest in "non-traditional" authors, such as Silverstein and Seuss. For example, they adored the poems that I have read by Silverstein during our read alouds. I would like to present a whole unit on his work for students to get a more substantive understanding of the nature of his work.
The aforementioned task requires various texts by Shel Silverstein. Having one set of the texts for the entire class would be helpful for read alouds and other group activities. Also, students would take more pride in the work because having books shows them how much the school (or other organizations) invest in their learning. The accompanying journals will allow students to have one place to organize their thoughts on the text and develop their writing skills throughout the unit.
With your help, my students will become empowered knowing that someone cares about their learning. For students to know that there are people who believe in them and their potential makes a world of impact on their performance. Please help me to help them.
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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