More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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Middle school is a turning point in many students' lives as readers. This is especially true for students who struggle with reading, such as my reading intervention students. This is why it is so important to provide students with high interest reading material. For students who struggle with reading, high interest books at their reading level are often difficult to find.
Middle school is a time when fitting in plays prominently in students' minds and in their decisions about how to behave. This includes reading behavior. No student wants to be seen as only reading young, "babyish" books. However, these are often the only books offered to struggling readers in my school. Additionally, books written for younger children are unlikely to have characters that feel relatable to middle school students. Research shows that adolescent readers are most interested in books with characters who are slightly older than they are, experiencing situations and emotions similar to their own. The books I am requesting have characters that are relatable to my students. Some of the books are novels written in prose, like those traditionally read by middle school students. Other books are graphic novels, which have a fast-paced read that some of my students need to get hooked into reading. Bringing these books into my classroom will provide students with access to books at their independent reading level that also look like the books their peers are reading.
Having high interest books will encourage my students to read on their own time. Research shows that independent reading increases reading ability and is linked with success in all subject areas. Independent reading also helps develop a lifelong habit of reading. These books are key in leading my students towards future success.
About my class
Middle school is a turning point in many students' lives as readers. This is especially true for students who struggle with reading, such as my reading intervention students. This is why it is so important to provide students with high interest reading material. For students who struggle with reading, high interest books at their reading level are often difficult to find.
Middle school is a time when fitting in plays prominently in students' minds and in their decisions about how to behave. This includes reading behavior. No student wants to be seen as only reading young, "babyish" books. However, these are often the only books offered to struggling readers in my school. Additionally, books written for younger children are unlikely to have characters that feel relatable to middle school students. Research shows that adolescent readers are most interested in books with characters who are slightly older than they are, experiencing situations and emotions similar to their own. The books I am requesting have characters that are relatable to my students. Some of the books are novels written in prose, like those traditionally read by middle school students. Other books are graphic novels, which have a fast-paced read that some of my students need to get hooked into reading. Bringing these books into my classroom will provide students with access to books at their independent reading level that also look like the books their peers are reading.
Having high interest books will encourage my students to read on their own time. Research shows that independent reading increases reading ability and is linked with success in all subject areas. Independent reading also helps develop a lifelong habit of reading. These books are key in leading my students towards future success.