The cost of a variety of prizes for this proposal is $478, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I teach algebra to freshman and English language students in a public high school in San Francisco. In class I try to make learning fun and interesting to all students by doing a variety of assignments, projects, computer activities and games.
Students love to play bingo and jeopardy in class. They can practice a skill we have just learned or review all their skills for a test. Introducing games into the classroom truly engages students in the practice of their skills, and they love it! I get 100% engagement and focus on the math when we play these games.
I had one student say "I've never won anything before" with the biggest smile on his face. I have students take prizes home for their younger siblings. The most rewarding prize was for one student who struggled all year with his math skills but won bingo on his own half way through the year. He kept looking at his bingo card and the math saying "Look teacher, I won! I really really did it on my own! I won!" That kind of excitement and engagement won't happen from worksheets and practice alone.
As incentive, I offer students their choice of a prize from the prize box. These are items that are either basic school supplies or fun items. The school supplies are the most popular with mechanical pencils and eraser being the favorites.
I have been purchasing these items myself. With over 100 students playing every few months it has become too expensive for me to keep up. These prizes (school supplies that the students need anyway) give the students something tangible for their efforts. The supplies listed here will last about two years.
Thanks for considering this proposal and making math fun!
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