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This teacher needs your help!

Ms. Kruske from San Diego, CA is requesting supplies through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Ms. Kruske is requesting

Making Meaning With Math

My students need math manipulatives, interactive math games, and a magnetic math library.

  • $669 goal

This project expired on May 20, 2010.

This project expired on May 20, 2010.

Classroom photo
Ms. Kruske Iftin Charter Elementary School
San Diego, CA Grades 3-5

I am a fifth grade teacher at a small charter school in California. Our school was developed for refugees from war-torn countries predominantly from East Africa. All of our students qualify for free lunches; the majority of my students are English Learners. Our school is a charter school, meaning we are a tuition-free public school offering a unique educational program. Our students range in abilities and proficiency levels. Several students arrive at our school speaking little or no English. Their past schooling experiences range. Some students were born and raised in the United States and attended school since kindergarten, others enter our country at age 10 without ever having step foot in a classroom. The differences are great, but the purpose is one- to educate.

Currently, our school has taken strides. We now have basic supplies to meet the every day needs of our students. We have paper, pencils, textbooks, and a small class library. For these I am thankful, but my class is still in need. It is incredibly difficult to teach math without manipulatives. If you have ever tried to explain a fraction to a child without something tangible, then you know how frustrating it can be. We are taught that children learn through constructing meaning, but without manipulatives to make algorithms come to life, math becomes meaningless.

This year I have an extremely bright and willing class. They desire to learn. In today's day and age this is something rare- an entire class of learning who crave knowledge. Now, I need to find a way to teach them difficult math concepts in a way that makes sense. I want my students to be confident in their mathematical reasoning so they can apply their knowledge outside of the classroom in real life settings. With manipulatives in the classroom, and story problem games, students will become familiar with what 3/4 of 5/8 really looks like. They will understand that 25% is the same as 1/4 which is also the same as .25 and they will be able to explain their reasoning when applied to money. My class will master math if given the change to construct meaning.

With your generous contribution, my students will have the ability to conquer their fear of fractions and become constructive learners.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households

20 students impacted
Ms. Kruske Iftin Charter Elementary School Grades 3-5

Celebrate Black teachers and kids! This project supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of students are Black.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

San Diego, CA View local requests

More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

20 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
ID300X - Magnetic Math Manipulatives Library • Lakeshore Learning $49.95 1 $49.95
RA505X - Lakeshore Math Manipulative Library - Complete Set • Lakeshore Learning $289.00 1 $289.00
PH345 - Magnetic Write & Wipe Board - 18" x 24" • Lakeshore Learning $39.95 1 $39.95
JJ285 - Puzzle Fun Math Card Library - Gr. 4-6 • Lakeshore Learning $49.95 1 $49.95
JJ454 - Wrap-Around Math Games - Gr. 5-6 • Lakeshore Learning $24.95 1 $24.95

Materials cost

$453.80

Vendor shipping charges

 $45.38

Sales tax

 $32.90

3rd party payment processing fee

$6.81

Fulfillment labor & materials

$9.00

Total project cost

$547.89

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$120.27

Total project goal

$668.16

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

Project Activity
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DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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 Ms. Kruske and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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