This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Expecting a kid to learn from a textbook is like asking them to look at a travel brochure and calling it a vacation! My students need manipulatives for the major math topics covered in 5th grade in order to support differentiated learning styles and approach math from multiple angles.
I teach 5th grade at a Title I school in West Harlem.
I feel honored to teach in a community flourishing with a rich culture and history that I can directly connect to my curriculum on a daily basis.
Many of my students come from low-income families, and approximately 90% of the students at my school qualify for free lunch. My students have many diverse learning needs. Half of my class receives Special Education or English Language Learner services, and my students' academic abilities range from 2nd grade to 7th grade.
My students are truly the most energetic, spunky, creative, hard-working, and curious 5th graders you could ever meet. They want to grow up to be scientists, lawyers, doctors, artists, writers, teachers, and beyond. My goal is to provide them with all of the necessary resources so that they are able to chase their dreams, and know that with hard work and perseverance, they can truly be whatever they want to be.
My Project
Manipulatives can be used in so many ways. One way I plan on using them is in groups and centers. Students can work collaboratively to solve problems on a particular concept in many ways. Another way that I plan on using these is during direct instruction. I can use them with my document camera (thanks, Donors Choose!) and project them on the board to teach particular concepts. Most math concepts really need visual aids for instruction, and manipulatives provide that visual component for all learners. Lastly, these will be used with struggling learners and students who receive special education services. Students will be able to attack math problems in many ways, use items to solve problems, and extend their knowledge of mathematical practices through varied outlets. Manipulatives provide a real world application and perspective for all students, so students will see connections to math and their world and why math concepts matter.
Manipulatives are backed by research, and are proven to be successful with low-achieving students, students who receive special education services, and English-language learners.
Manipulatives are also proven to help ALL students, by improving retention rates, helping them move from concrete to abstract reasoning, and helping students connect and integrate their knowledge so that they gain a deep understanding of mathematical concepts. Please help my students have meaningful math experiences!
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. H. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.