We teach middle school aged math to special education students. Our students come to us in 6th grade with major gaps in their abilities to demonstrate grade level math concepts. Our students have negative attitudes about math and themselves because they are not participating in regular education classes like their peers. We work hard each day to personalize the math lessons to match the individual students' weaknesses. Part of the process is to be creative in trying to engage the adolescent students in the lesson. It is also important to vary the approaches to the lessons to keep students motivated and allow them opportunities to see what works best for them.
Our students are interested in utilizing technology as much as possible.
Any opportunity that allows them to access an iPhone, iPad, and PC is an instant attention grabber. iPads are portable, easy to use and allow apps that encourage math learning in a way that our teens love. The enthusiasm and confidence that is evident in the classroom when students are working with the technology is rewarding for the students and us as their teacher.
My Project
In our Math Skills class, our students' mathematical abilities range from kindergarten to 5th grade. This wide range requires us to individualize lesson plans for each child every day.
The iPads would allow us to utilize math educational apps as a center in our classroom.
Students could be working in these centers while we provide small group and individualized instruction.
We have access to a program called Osmo. The Osmo tracks individual students' progress while building number sense using interactive games. We have this technology but are unable to utilize it without these iPads. Our students are interested in utilizing technology as much as possible. Any opportunity that allows them to access an iPad for example is an instant attention grabber.
Any donations to this project will allow us to better serve our students' individual needs and will be greatly appreciated.
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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. Shaughnessy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
