Seventh grade English teacher Sarah Morrow is creating a strong classroom culture and environment by having her students read parts in a classroom novel called "The Crossover."
The novel features poems within the text, and students volunteer to stand up in front of the class to read the poems. The poems within the text are written in a unique, visual format and rhythm to create an immersive experience that reflects the energy of the main character's emotional journey and love of basketball.
Mrs. Morrow said students are asked to get up in front of the class and read the poem the way it is written, using emotion, exaggerating certain words, raising their voices at certain parts and displaying the protagonist's passion.
"Today was a turning point," Morrow said. "None of the girls would get up and read in front of the class prior, and that changed today."
Morrow explained that the two young ladies featured in the video did an amazing job of stepping out of their comfort zone and their classmates were so supportive.
After students read, classmates cheered. Students were fully interested and engaged.
Mrs. Morrow and her students are showing that they are "In it, to win it."