Build a Diverse, Dream Library for Chicago 3rd Graders

Help Create a Dream Library for Third-Graders in Chicago!

The school year starts on August 26th and we'd love your help in our 3rd grade classroom library!

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." – Margaret Mead

My name is Mara Christensen, or Ms. Mara as my students call me. I'm a passionate third-grade teacher at Chicago Public Schools, dedicated to fostering a love for reading and learning in my students.

Representation truly matters. My students encompass a variety of backgrounds- African American, Asian, Latino, and White. In addition, 50% of the students in my school are considered "low income". When kids see positive representations of characters who resemble themselves in the stories they read, it instills a deep sense of belonging and validation of their identities. On the other hand, when kids are exposed to other cultures and perspectives, the stories cultivate empathy, understanding, and an appreciation for diversity among all our students.

As we head into a new school year, I am reaching out to you to help make this dream library a reality.

Diverse literature, engaging learning tools, and comfortable seating will come together to spark my students minds.

Imagine the impact of a Time for Kids and Scholastic SuperStem magazines arriving monthly for the kids. It will bring windows into science, current events, and beyond. I can picture my students spread out in flexible seating options, exploring both real and imaginary worlds from a saucer chair or folding seats.

To complete our dream library, I'm asking for additional classroom essentials—a cozy floor lamp for afternoon reading sessions, clipboards for note-taking during group discussions, and enough pencils and animal bookmarks to go around.

Goals and Outcomes

Starting off the year strong in third grade, my primary goals are to improve reading comprehension, foster a love of reading, and create a collaborative learning environment.

Materials Needed

To bring this vision to life, we need the following materials:

Diverse Book Collection and Magazine Subscriptions:

Time for Kids magazine subscription: $148.50

Scholastic SuperStem magazine subscription: $224.70

"Dragon in a Bag": $10.99

"A Taste of Magic": $9.39

"The Wild Robot": $11.21

Zoey and Sassafras Books 1-6 Pack: $20.43

Adventures with The Secret Explorers: Collection One: 4-Book Box Set: $17.32

Sadiq Collection by Siman Nuurali 8 Books Collection Set: $38.99

"Lei and the Fire Goddess": $12.49

"The First Rule of Punk": $10.79

"Amari and the Night Brothers": $13.25

Yasmin box set: $24.00

Flexible Seating Options:

Trademark Innovations Portable Multiuse Folding Seat, Dark Green (5 seats): $184.95

Additional Classroom Items: $266.97

Ambimall 65'' Floor Lamp: $37.99

Class set of clipboards: $36.99

320 pencils: $29.99

Durable Book & Binder Holders, Set of 24 - $162.00

Budget Breakdown

The total estimated budget for this project is $842

Here is a detailed breakdown of the costs:

Books and magazine subscriptions: $551.35

Flexible seating: $184.95

Additional classroom items: $105

Your generous contribution will make a tremendous difference in the lives of these third graders, empowering them to become lifelong learners and engaged citizens. Together, let's prove Margaret Mead right—that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can indeed change the world, one child at a time.

Thank you for supporting my third graders. Any donation helps!

Warm regards,

Mara Christensen