A ninety-minute math block every day?! It is both a luxury and a challenge. How can I make sure every student gets what he or she needs? How do I ensure everyone is productive and on task? How can I keep kids fully engaged and learning the entire time?
I am about to begin my second year of teaching at this special public school, where both Neighborhood and Classical (selective enrollment) programs mean that students come from all over the city to attend.
Although my students have tested into the program and are working a year above grade level, I still have a range of interests and abilities represented in my classroom. I need to be able to meet learners where they are, set attainable goals, and provide the necessary tools and encouragement for students to meet or exceed those goals.
My Project
One of my major goals for my second year of teaching is to rely less on whole class instruction during our math block, and instead facilitate more small group work. This will help me tailor my instruction to meet students' needs, supporting and enriching their learning where necessary. Students will be able to use these engaging math materials to work with a buddy or a small group on a particular skill or concept. My concrete thinkers need to access content in multiple ways in order to develop their understanding of abstract mathematical concepts. Hands-on items like fraction tiles make a concept come alive for students, while fun cooperative games give them opportunities to apply and reinforce the concept with their peers. Students can also self-assess with flashcards and strategy puzzles. Our school's rigorous academic expectations, as well as the Common Core State Standards, mean that I need to search for better ways to help my students strengthen their math problem-solving skills.
My students last year relied on the manipulatives and games that were kindly donated to me by other educators, or that I could make myself.
I want to start this school year off on the right foot by outfitting my classroom with durable, high-quality materials that students will excitedly reach for when math begins.
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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. Dalal and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
