Math class is about learning how to think creatively and solve important problems. My students engage in meaningful projects and build their capacity to direct their own learning. We use a variety of approaches to math, and we learn computer programming skills to understand math more deeply. Regardless of whether they struggled in math class before, students are able to rise to challenges, have fun, and learn deeply.
My students are resilient, insightful people who face many challenges in their lives.
Our school serves Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, and almost all of my students are Black or Latino/a. Many of my students face difficult family situations, live below the poverty line, and struggle with a myriad of learning and/or emotional disabilities. It is constantly amazing to see how my students persevere and excel through all of these perceived societal obstacles. Our students are an inspiration to us all.
My Project
As we begin the school year, my students and I build new relationships with each other and as a class community. For the first weeks, I'll be using a "Fresh Face Feedback Form," where students and I exchange daily comments on the inside of their name cards.* In another early activity, students will create a math autobiography explaining their math pasts. Students may write a letter or instead design a visual poster, such as a timeline or comic, to depict their math autobiography.
If I build strong relationships with students at the start, they will learn more math for the entire year.
The high-quality materials in this project will allow students to express themselves with words, with art, and with problem-solving techniques. They can store key information in their class folders, showcase their work using markers to draw on 11-by-17 posters, and even take a momentary break with some adult coloring. Through building routines and engaging in key activities, we will build a positive class culture that supports risk-taking and promotes growth mindsets, leading to a year of hard work and inquiry.
More than three‑quarters of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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. Guggenheimer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
