So I’ve been putting off this entry for a while because it feels really weird to solicit mostly strangers to help me with my job, but here goes:
In just over a month I will be starting my first year of teaching first grade. The average public school teacher spends $500 a year out of pocket on her classroom, first year teachers usually spend a lot more than that. I’m trying to build a really killer classroom library, but even hitting yard sales and thrift shops I’m still going pretty deep in the red. Thus I am reaching out to you, dear readers, to help a poor struggling teacher teach her kids to read (woe is me!). Do you have some children’s books you’re willing to part with? Old favorites you want the youth of today to cherish the way you did oh those many years ago? Are you a parent whose children have outgrown their once beloved Maurice Sendak classics (honestly how could they)? If so, please pass them along to me! I will read them aloud to my students! I will write “This book graciously donated to Ms. Wonder’s library by (your name here)” on the inside cover. I will post creative “thank you” photos on flickr or cool book reviews on vimeo and say your name on the internet! if only you will send me books.
If you don’t have any cool favorites lying around, I’ve put together an Amazon.com wish list with some titles that would live in my dream-library. I’ve tried to select books with multicultural themes, that address complex social or environmental issues in developmentally appropriate ways. Of course there are some silly titles and cool classics in there too, so take your pick. Hardcovers last longer than paperbacks (but beggars can’t be choosers), and used books are a-OK with me.
Thank you in advance to anyone who decides to contribute. If you want my address email me at wonderwillow@gmail.com and I will pass it along to you. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!
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Be sure to check out the library “outlet store.” It’s real near your house, right by the Nike Outlet. Books are mega-cheap there.
More info here: http://www.multcolib.org/titlewave/
You shouldn’t feel bad about this at all, this is a great appeal! It’s not like you’re fundraising for a new briefcase or something. It’s for books for kids! I hope you get lots of support.
Oh, Freddy. I totally love the Title Wave! I take full advantage! Thanks for the hint!
I had no idea that teachers had to stock their own libraries! You should send out an email and I’ll forward it on to some people here; people in publishing are always getting rid of books.
I was just at Powell’s and I got a copy of Goodnight Moon for you. You don’t mind that it’s a used paperback, right?
Have you checked out library used book stores/sales? I love those! Most of my books come from there.
Also, enlist the parents. They might just love to help! Andandand, there’s Scholastic book club and teacher reward points. Every dollar your students (and you) spend for these (discounted) books gives you points (and you don’t need a lot of points to get stuff!).
PS: The amazon link doesn’t seem to be working.
Thanks for the tips, friends!
I will fix the link right now…
Oh and Freddy, a used paperback is WONDERFUL!!! Thank you!
The link is fixed! Here it is if you want to cut and paste.. http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html/104-1470028-6556763?ie=UTF8&type=wishlist&id=WZP3CIYM3R2L
http://www.schoolhousesupplies.org/about/about.htm
I don’t know if this applies to you, but this is a great foundation that does what it can to provide supplies to teachers in the portland area. otherwise, I’ll clean out my children’s books from mom’s house…I guess i could part with them (i’m freakin’ 23!).
Willow, I’m in France right now for Adam and Jane’s third wedding, but when I get home and get into my classroom I’ll send you some of my overflow books; I usually have extras that I use as gifts, and after 12 years in First Grade my library actually has more than I need (Yes!) Also, I have some great ideas for getting books into the hands of kids; write me a reminder on email and I’ll tell you about them.
hmm, hmm, “and whistle a happy tune…and no one will know I’m afraid.” from the musical the KING AND I about the English school teacher Anna in Siam teaching the king’s children.
Bravo on your book endeavor and a stampede of well wishes for your exciting new adventure. Besides reading—will you be teaching these blossoming minds how to sing from their hearts also?!! I believe learning how to sing songs together at the same time as gaining reading skills is of equal importance. It’s the kind of self-confidence you can’t gain later on when you become self-critical.
Besides a little rattle and roll with tambourine, triangles, bells, sticks etc. makes a lot of crazy fun in a classroom and loosens up the tension.
Would like to know what you think, Willow?
i have a few magic schoolbusses, miss nelson books and a few randoms for you