Do you remember how you felt about math? For some of us math was easy and for others it was the subject that was most difficult. I want to help all students learn math in a fun and non-threatening way.
I teach in an urban area where most of my students live in poverty.
They come from single parent homes where there are multiple children in the home. Many of my students aren't even being raised by their parents but instead grandparents, other relatives, or by foster families. I also have many students who don't speak English as their first language, so not only are they struggling with poverty but also a deficit because of language. They are all very eager to learn and do the best they can for themselves if only they have the resources, motivation, and encouragement to do so.
My Project
The math resources I have asked for will give my students many hands-on opportunities to practice important beginning math skills. In Kindergarten we focus on beginning math concepts such as sorting, patterning, shapes, and counting. If my students don't have these very basic skills then math will be very difficult for them in the upper grades. I want to give them many opportunities to be successful and have a passion for math or at least the belief that with hard work they can do it. Also by having these resources all of my students will be able to work on the same skills at the same time instead of just a few at a time. My students need several different math center sets to help them with important math concepts. We know students learn best by repeated practice and having these resources will allow me to provide them with repeated practice instead of putting worksheets in front of them which become mundane and boring.
Reading and Math are very important to us all.
If we don't have the basic skills then learning becomes difficult. My students will greatly benefit from this project because it will give them a solid foundation in basic math skills. It is also a fun way for them to learn and retain the skills they need to be successful life long learners. If we can encourage students at a young age then my hope is that they will continue to carry that with them through their school life and beyond.
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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. Wrest and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.