Project Read

This Week—I want to use this small platform to highlight something I’m calling Project Read. Project Read was initially an attempt to get my friends, family, and social media followers to donate a young adult book for my students to read during Independent Reading time. 

Back Story: Over the summer the English Department at the school I work in picked up Kelly Gallagher’s book 180 Days: Two Teachers and the Quest to Engage and Empower Adolescents and absolutely loved what he’s doing in his classroom.  We think that his approach to teaching reading and writing is refreshing, and while it may seem a bit innovative, considering the current state in the DOE and what administrators want to see when they come in to observe you, his approach really goes back to basics.  If we want our students to be better readers and writers then we have to require them to do more reading and writing. Period.  He presents significant research that we know is logical, so we’re currently trying to implement aspects of his curriculum into ours. 

Present: At the core of this curriculum is independent reading. The goal is to get students to read books they love, so that their reading skills improve organically. Our students aren’t reading enough and they’re suffering because of it.  Moreover, we are teaching adolescents during a very difficult time because they live and exist as part of a culture that doesn’t value reading.  Therefore, they don’t read.  When you don’t read, your skills recede. 

When students read, however, their critical thinking skills improve, as well as, their writing skills, their vocabulary, and they’re ability to communicate.  Reading basically elevates all of the skills they need to succeed post high school.  Therefore, it is crucial that they establish the habit of daily reading now.  

Currently there is no classroom library in our classrooms. The books we have there are mostly old and are mostly classic novels that used to be taught in English classrooms back in my day (or before). While these books are great, and we want them to read those too. They’re difficult and out of touch for them. Moreover, our school doesn’t have the funds to purchase the books we do need. This is why I want to make it my mission to get books, specifically Young Adult books: books they’re familiar with, stories they’ve probably seen on TV recently (movie, Netflix, series), and stories written by writers they’re familiar with, into their hands. That is what’s going to make the difference for them. Reading these books could get them ready to read the classics next year, or, hopefully, next semester. 

So, one day while I was venting my frustrations on Instagram about the messed up system, about my students not having access to quality books they will enjoy, and about spending 84 dollars on just 7 books, I began brainstorming about how I could get more books into their hands without spending all the money I don’t have.  I didn’t have any set ideas, when my friend DM-ed me asking if she could mail me her used copy of 13 Reasons Why.  She said she had already read it and would love to donate it to my classroom for any student to read.  Of course, I said, yes, and I thought it was the sweetest gesture ever!  I was so excited when I received it and opened the package in my home, that I immediately thought, what if I get people to just donate 1 book?  I could post about it and if every person following me could donate one book, ONE SINGLE BOOK, I could have hundreds of books for my students to choose from.  Also, they could unbox them with us, and they’ll see that social media could be a tool for positivity and for networking.  

So that’s what happened and that’s how Project Read was born.  After that, I went on my social media and challenged my followers to donate a book! (Or more than one if you’re feeling generous!). I provided a list of popular books on the post—books I heard them talking about, but honestly any YA (young adult) book that you think teenagers from the South Bronx (must stress that!) would be accepted with open hands.  

We have started receiving books, but we have a lonnnnng way to go! 

(If you would like to donate a book, please get in touch with me and I’ll provide you our school’s address.)