I teach middle school students with moderate to severe intellectual cognitive disabilities, mild physical disabilities, hearing impaired, and/or mild to moderate autistic tendencies in a self contained setting. I have an awesome teacher assistant who is a constant support to both me and our 7 angels. We are both constantly looking for ways to improve our instruction. My seven high needs students all love being at school, growing in their independence, and learning about the world around them. However; they all struggle with learning even the most basic math and independent living skills.
One way we use money and math in the real world is to read a price on a drink or snack machine and mentally determine if we have enough money to buy the item and then make a purchase. Have you thought of the math skills this involves? Just a few of them are number and coin recognition, addition, and problem solving skills. Most of us learned these skills through traditional textbook, pencil, and paper practice. My students cannot do this task without assistance from someone to read the amount and count the money for them. They need alternative means for learning the functional math skills of counting money since they struggle with traditional learning.
They need to have facsimiles of real money and hands on activities to practice matching, sorting, identifying, and counting money; as well as picture books that teach about money. I have to borrow the facsimiles of real money from another teacher. Since my students need daily practice in order to maintain skills and continue learning, borrowing materials is difficult. I do not have any books about money in my classroom library. I have recently found several books with pictures of real U.S. money that will help in teaching money concepts.
This request also has a very personal meaning for me. My dad passed away on January 6. He was a staunch supporter of my teaching students with special needs because he knew it is my wish to help make each of “ my kids” more independent in life and less dependent on others. He not only gave financial assistance to my class, he also assisted my class several times. Several of his colleagues, friends, and family have asked that I write this proposal in his memory. So, Dad, this one is for you! Know that with the support of all those who loved you and some total strangers, my students will soon be developing their money skills and able to buy a snack and drink for themselves.
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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 Ms. Lowder and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.