Additional Supplies for Sensory and English Language Learners
My students need color representations and kinesthetic ways to experience Algebra. We need a color printer along with some sensory items like bouncy bands and manipulatives.
Great minds don't think alike, WE think together! My quote is posted at the top of my room, to remind students to work together to solve problems.
The school year has started and students are so excited about the new sensory aspects of the room. They say "More bouncy bands!" and "A fish!"
Our Pacific Northwest high school qualifies for Title I funding, we have a wildly diverse population, and terrific students with many struggles.
In my room, we work on math, as well as social skills, personal motivation and overall academic achievement. As they struggle with math (often also English), they need to experience Algebra in very hands on ways with colorful representations. I create colorful visual images in notes so they can see changes in the algebraic steps more clearly. We will model with marshmallows a linear and quadratic changes so that they can "see" and "feel" the differences in the functions. It is wonderful to see their excitement over the tools from the first shipment. Students readily go to the bin and pick up the cushions and utilize the coping skills box. Also, my students must write and explain their thinking to pass their state exam. As such, we will utilize some basic handwriting activities so that their submissions will be professional looking.
My Project
My students will benefit from color representations of Algebra vocabulary to strengthen their use of the vocabulary in their written work.
My students will also learn about parabolic functions from shooting marshmallows and other manipulative items into the air to witness the flight path and calculate possible values for future flights (of marshmallows).
Students are already going to the bin of sensory items to grab cushions, or bouncy bands. I have soothed a student with a jar of glitter, etc. It's been terrific!
In my building, we do not have access to a color printer. I have approval from our technology department to connect a printer if I can acquire one. Having a color printer in the room will allow me to post high impact, visual representations for students.
My students all struggle with mathematics.
They have often convinced themselves that they cannot do it. When they are comfortable, excited and feel competent, they do better.
By being able to utilize these materials, I will be able to provide greater access to the math they are trying to learn and must learn in order to graduate. High impact, color visuals make a significant difference in my ability to close the achievement gap for my ELL students.
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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. Cedar and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
