My 8th grade math students often come into school tired, hungry, bored, frustrated, or unconcerned in regards to their academic performance. However, no matter how defeated my students may be on any given day, these same students are learning perseverance in my class. They are learning to challenge themselves to do better. They are learning to go from "I can't" to "I will".
I encourage a classroom where conversation and conceptual understanding is important.
I encourage a classroom where "trying your best" may look different to everyone. So far, my students have bought into this environment and are impressing me with their positive attitudes towards math.
My school is a Title I school and my math classes are composed of students who come from a variety of different backgrounds, both educationally and culturally. Just like their backgrounds, my kids learn in a variety of different ways.
I want to be able to provide all of the supports I can to encourage every student of mine that they can learn something new every day.
My Project
To see success is one thing, but to hear it? That is truly inspirational. I would like to provide my students the chance to not only see their mastery of math concepts but to also hear them happen. Our school uses a computer adaptive math program called DreamBox. This program helps provide students the opportunity to master math concepts while being extremely interactive! The only problem is that when all 15 of our classroom technology devices are being used at once, the students do not get the chance to hear the program. Instead, they can only see their progress.
You may wonder, "why is this important?
If a student can see their progress then that should be enough, right?" Let me set the scene. You are in the middle of your favorite sporting event. You can see your team make great plays, you can see the crowd cheer, you can witness the scoreboard changing. The only problem, however, is that you do not get the experience of hearing it all happen. How does this change the experience for you?
I would like for my students to hear the feedback being provided by these types of mathematical programs. I want them to feel encouraged to do better and when they do perform to the highest expectation, I want them to hear that goal being reached!
I also implement other mathematical programs and resources that are internet-based like Khan Academy, Schoology, YouTube, IXL, but the students once again are not able to participate in the resource involves any type of noise. These programs provide multiple entry points for students, especially with IEPs, and I would like to have them in my tool bank when necessary.
Please help my students feel vibrant, help them hear their success!
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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. Corrado and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
