My students need multiplication review tools, such as flashcards and multiplication games. My students also need Function Machines which are hands-on manipulatives that they can use to help develop their understanding of simple algebraic concepts.
I am a second year fourth grade teacher at a very low-income school in North Carolina. Our school was previously a Title I school but lost it this year as well as the additional math resources that we had last year. Our student population is primarily African American, with a large, growing population of Hispanic students. My school has about 76% of its students on free or reduced lunch. I have a wonderful group of students who have a lot of potential to do well, but need to overcome obstacles in regards to math. Before coming to fourth grade, the students were required to memorize their multiplication facts, but I have quickly realized that my students have not done this. My students do not receive a lot of support at home to help reinforce what is taught at school, so this makes classroom instruction even more important.
Imagine trying to learn the concepts of algebra without having your multiplication facts memorized--it is quite impossible. My students have the potential to do well in math, if we could overcome this obstacle that they face. My students are struggling with learning Algebra because they are not able to connect the two math concepts together. My students would greatly benefit from these math manipulatives which would allow them to memorize their multiplication facts, as well as understand the concept of function machines.
My students would benefit from multiplication flash cards and a multiplication game that would allow them to use the skills in something that would be entertaining to them. Often times with math, students get unfocused because it does not seem to be something relevant to their lives. Providing my students with a fun approach to multiplication would truly be wonderful and would entice my students to memorize their facts. The input/output machines that I am requesting would be good for the beginning concepts of Algebra that my students are struggling with. These hands-on manipulatives would allow my students to experience a concrete experience before moving to the abstract experience of simply numbers and formulas.
Your donation would ensure my students success in math. My students would be able to memorize their multiplication facts, as well as use them in a fun activity that would allow them to retain the facts. You will make it possible for my students to have hands-on experiences with some of the most abstract concepts in Algebra. Thank you for taking the time to read my proposal. My students will truly be touched by your generosity.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Lucas and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.