I want my students to be completely comfortable with coins by the end of this school year.
My school has just begun its third year as an arts integration magnet.
We stress learning by inquiry, and use the Teaching for Understanding framework. Our school's population comes from many cultures and countries; in my classroom alone, we have four different languages other than English spoken at home. This adds to the richness of our school community because our students have so much to learn from one another.
My Project
Instead of using just the scripted math curriculum, I am fortunate I am able to make the choice to supplement as I feel is needed. Second grade standards stress complete familiarity and ability to add and subtract bills and coins by the end of the year, so I implemented a classroom 'store' to get then really excited about money. Students each get a bank and a weekly allowance (in plastic coins) from me, and once a week, I open 'Store'. They love it! To 'sell' this year, I am requesting pencils (both mechanical and 'fancy' wood), pencil lead, pencil sharpeners and grippers because students love having these basic (yet 'special') supplies of their very own in their desks. I am also requesting stickers, decorate-your-own pencil cases and the rainbow scratch craft paper for more creative play.
The best way to get kids to learn about different coins and get them excited about adding, subtracting, spending, and saving, is to have a classroom economy.
My students in past years have said, it's one of their favorite parts of second grade. With your help, it can be a huge success.
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. Lemon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.