My students need a classroom set of Rekenrek counting frames with a teacher demonstration frame, 5 big book math stories, and 12 paperback math stories.
Just as our world evolves, so does the way we teach math! Students are required to prove their thinking with manipulatives, drawings and verbal explanations. My students need the ability to interact with their math skills in order to solidify their learning.
My students attend a public fine arts academy in a downtown location.
I have a classroom full of hard-working students who are eager to enhance their mathematical abilities! My students love working with manipulatives, and this project combines manipulatives and literature! They are energetic, eager to please and open to their educational experiences. Some of my students are often frustrated by the lack of educational opportunities available to them. Literacy and math combined will increase student success and ultimately create life-long learners. My students' reading and math abilities range from pre-primer to highly advanced. Many of my students come from single-parent homes, a few are being raised by their grandparents, and there are some in traditional type homes. Some of my students will be the first in their family to graduate. Research shows that success in high school and beyond directly correlates with a student's success in first grade.
My Project
In order to add and subtract with speed and accuracy, one must truly understand numbers inside and out. So, we start with a firm foundation of understanding the value of ten. This builds as we notice patterns to help us count, add, and subtract with numbers beyond 100. I have requested a classroom set of student Rekenreks (which are very much like an abacus), one large teacher Rekenrek, for whole group lessons, and a total of 17 math-based stories: 5 big books and 12 paperback stories. My students will be able to interact with these stories in a whole new way! While we are reading the story, they can use their Rekenreks to show what is happening as characters and/or objects are added or subtracted from the story. Not only is their reading comprehension enhanced, but they are able to put their mathematical skills to use in a real-life way! These manipulatives are vital for teaching math and allowing students the opportunity to build a solid mathematical foundation.
This project will allow my students invaluable mathematical interactions.
The Rekenreks will allow my students to problem solve and share their thinking quickly and effectively. Mastery comes when they are able to teach someone else and the Rekenreks will be a useful tool in helping my students articulate and model their thinking.
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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. Aubuchon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.