My classroom consists of students of mixed grade levels ( 6 - 8)and ethnic groups. They come from varying educational, social, and linguistic backgrounds. Many of my students are refugees; some never attended school in their home countries, or attended a school without walls, sitting on the dirt floor without writing or reading materials. Their homes are a literacy poor environment. I would like to have a quality classroom library, as well as funds to purchase a bound writing journal for every student. Enough books on the shelves to lend out without worrying about whether or not they are actually returned is a goal for our classroom. I would like to have enough books to give each child one book as a reward - their own personal book to keep, read over and over, and cherish. Books are expensive, but vital to their educational growth: if children love to read, they can accomplish so much more. In addition, I assure you that a quality personal journal will encourage the development of a love of writing as a means of communicating.