Remember those boring math worksheets when you were a student? Can you imagine a math class where students make change with real money? Your own dry erase board to problem solve? Our class can!
Our class is a diverse group of 2nd graders at a public charter school who are so eager for hands-on experiences and taking ownership of their learning!
They get excited for a new pencil or coming to the board to use the dry erase markers. Students asking for something "to count with" or "to practice their math" is an every day occurrence in our classroom.
80% of our students receive free/reduced lunch. The majority of our students attend before school and after school programs, many at school for ten hours a day! We truly believe that the city is our classroom and hope to expose our students to learning that applies to their life and inspires them to dream big.
My Project
Academic levels in our second grade class range from Pre-K through 4th grade. Small group learning is essential for all students to be reached. Math manipulatives are applicable for all students. A small group creating number stories with unifix cubes and writing their number models on their own dry erase boards. (They feel like mini-teachers!) Dominoes to take home to complete their math facts homework. (Most students complete homework on their own- these will guide them!) Number tiles for hands-on math games! A class "store" where students can pretend to make change by exchanging coins and bills. Foam dice for some magical math games! When students learn these games - they teach them at their after school programs, they teach them to their brothers and sisters, it's contagious! Check out our picture - can you imagine them all with whiteboards or counters in their hands creating their own number stories!
The use of math manipulatives makes a connection with students that creates life-long learners.
Students can "see" and "understand" how math truly applies to their lives. When they make these connections, they want more! Educational research indicates learning occurs when students actively construct their own mathematical understanding - Make that research come to life for our class!
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 Mr. O'Connell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.