Books and Hoops
Donation protected
My name is Chris Bruff and I am starting up the program Books and Hoops to make children life long readers. Books and Hoops is going to raise interest in reading by partnering with the high interest activity of basketball.
As a former D1 basketball player I learned the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Basketball took me all over the nation and books took me to places I never dreamed were possible. Now, as a teacher, I want to give my love for reading and experience in basketball to every student I can.
Previously I taught for 2 years in Randolph, MA and I have been teaching for 3 years in Lexington, MA. The students I have encountered have the same wants and needs but their access to books couldn’t be in starker contrast.
In Randolph I could easily strike a conversation with students about last night’s basketball game. When it came to talking about the latest book they read, those same students beat around the bush not saying anything.
Teaching students in Lexington leaves me feeling opposite. I debate students daily regarding Harry Potter being the best wizard. I’ve had discussions and persuasive essays written to me about The Land of Stories being the best novel written in a student’s lifetime. Those same students have to do research in order to talk to me about the latest news on the hardwood.
Children in high-income communities have 4,000 times the number of books than low-income children. That jarring fact creates different experiences for students. With your help, I mean to change that. Books and Hoops will provide students in low-income communities more access to books. In turn, the students will receive a reading lesson teaching a new reading strategy. They will also take part in a basketball clinic where the students will continue to have fun and shoot some hoops.
Those of you that know me know I am a fearless competitor. I will do whatever it takes. That tenacity is what I bring to my students. The funds from this GoFundMe will be used towards buying books, library bags, and t-shirts for the students. Every dollar counts. Your donation will give students more access to books and an opportunity to become life long readers.
As a former D1 basketball player I learned the importance of balancing academics and athletics. Basketball took me all over the nation and books took me to places I never dreamed were possible. Now, as a teacher, I want to give my love for reading and experience in basketball to every student I can.
Previously I taught for 2 years in Randolph, MA and I have been teaching for 3 years in Lexington, MA. The students I have encountered have the same wants and needs but their access to books couldn’t be in starker contrast.
In Randolph I could easily strike a conversation with students about last night’s basketball game. When it came to talking about the latest book they read, those same students beat around the bush not saying anything.
Teaching students in Lexington leaves me feeling opposite. I debate students daily regarding Harry Potter being the best wizard. I’ve had discussions and persuasive essays written to me about The Land of Stories being the best novel written in a student’s lifetime. Those same students have to do research in order to talk to me about the latest news on the hardwood.
Children in high-income communities have 4,000 times the number of books than low-income children. That jarring fact creates different experiences for students. With your help, I mean to change that. Books and Hoops will provide students in low-income communities more access to books. In turn, the students will receive a reading lesson teaching a new reading strategy. They will also take part in a basketball clinic where the students will continue to have fun and shoot some hoops.
Those of you that know me know I am a fearless competitor. I will do whatever it takes. That tenacity is what I bring to my students. The funds from this GoFundMe will be used towards buying books, library bags, and t-shirts for the students. Every dollar counts. Your donation will give students more access to books and an opportunity to become life long readers.
Organizer
Christopher Bruff
Organizer
Reading, MA
