My students are deaf or hard of hearing. They are all very visual and "hands-on" learners all of which use sign language! There are a total of 14 students in my program ranging from first through fifth grade. Students come from various school districts in the area to attend the magnet program so they can be taught by a teacher of the deaf, as well as be able to learn from their peers.
Since this program is a magnet program, we have students from various districts which are not able to provide the amount of support that these students need.
Some students are the only ones from their school district that have hearing loss and know and use ASL.
Traditionally, students who are deaf or hard of hearing don't have access to language from birth and require visual supports to support their language development. Often materials are not accessible or designed for students who are Deaf/hard of hearing especially those who use ASL.
My Project
My 1st through 3rd-grade students are taking off in math! They come together throughout the day to learn various strategies so that they can develop a strong number sense in order to be successful with their future math skills.
Since we talk with our hands, we need ways of displaying our materials so that our hands are free to explain the reasoning behind the models as well as physically manipulate their own materials to solidify their understanding.
Items such as magnetic ten frames and magnetic visual models visually support students comprehension while allowing them to also see the explanation next to the model. Students also learn actively through the use of their hands and incorporate that physical activity to solidify their understanding of concepts. Hands-on sliding number lines, floor mats and ten frames so they can manipulate objects themselves.
Deaf and hard of hearing students learn differently than their peers who are able to hear do. D/HH students are very visual and do best when provided the opportunity to see as well as manipulate objects for hands-on learning. My students have started to enjoy math more now that it is something they are understanding better because of the number of visual models, however, we need more materials. With your help, my students can achieve understanding and be prepared for the challenges that come with better understanding and a strong foundation.
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 Mrs. Orr and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
