Child's play and learning often overlap and interact, and using games in the classroom can increase learning. Games can challenge enthusiastic learners, motivate reluctant learners, provide skill practice, and encourage persistence in problem solving. Middle school students are not too old to play!
My students attend a large urban middle school and come from very diverse backgrounds.
Close to two thirds of my students are economically disadvantaged, and a quarter have limited English proficiency. Despite the fact that some of the student achievement indicators for my school are below the state average, the amount of growth our students are making each year is above the state average in math, putting them on track to catch up with their peers. This is because these students want to learn and the staff here puts significant effort into ensuring that they do learn. We are a multi-age school, teaching mixed groups of sixth through eighth graders in all subjects except for math, where we separate by grade level. The multi-age format develops community and allows all students to be leaders at times while learning from others at other times, both of which are necessary roles in society.
My Project
I work with about 75 students, teaching both math and science. I believe I was born to teach and my passion is helping students discover their capabilities, especially those who do not yet see themselves as strong. Some of these materials will be used with the entire class, such as the playing cards and dice. These tools will be used to enhance activities within the curriculum as well as occasionally providing incentives. Many of the tools will be used with small groups of students. These games will help to move students from fluency to automaticity with math facts; to increase logical reasoning; and to encourage participation. Some of the games emphasize visual thinking, such as Shapes Up or Blokus. Some of the games emphasize numerical and algebraic thinking, such as 24 or Divdice. Some require students to think logically and develop persistence in problem solving, such as Set, Rush Hour, or Tower of Hanoi. All of these are vital math skills.
Middle school students sometimes feel caught in that limbo between childhood and adulthood.
Games give them permission to learn through play, as they did when they were younger. These games are age appropriate, and will encourage them to think, develop strategies, solve problems, and reinforce skills they are developing in math.
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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. Walters and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
