Math Manipulatives for Students with Visual Impairments
My students need hands on math manipulatives to learn math concepts due to varying levels of visual impairments. 6 out 8 of my students have a Visual Impairment.
I teach students with multiple disabilities. Each of my students bring a unique dynamic of abilities that contribute to an exciting classroom! Within my classroom, I have students who have mobility, communication, vision, and auditory limitations. In addition, some have complicated health issues. All of the students within my classroom have multiple disabilities, therefore they are in a classroom that is categorized as self-contained. What does self-contained mean? This means that these students stay in the classroom for the majority of the school day. This includes all academics, breakfast, lunch, and recess. They do enjoy joining their non-disabled peers for music, physical education, and field trips when able.
Educating a variety of students with multiple disabilities can be challenging, but the rewards are greater!
The students stay in the classroom for all academics. It can be difficult to meet their extensive individual educational needs. Each student requires an individual education plan that contains very individualized ways to learn. Out of my 8 students 6 are non-verbal and 2 with limited vocabulary. My students often access the curriculum through a picture exchange system, adaptive communication switches, eye gaze, and gestures.
My Project
The variety of math manipulatives will be utilized on a weekly basis during our math lessons. The Early Math Manipulative Library set comes with multiple sets. Depending on the math unit being taught we can utilize the appropriate set for the math concept being taught. In addition the Number Line Slider Boards is an excellent hands on resource to enable the students to move the numbers up or down the number line to understand the concept of a number line. The Place Value Blocks will ensure a visual and tactile way to learn when organizing and learning place value. Our classroom has a large variance in math skill and concepts. All of the items listed above and being requested will allow for a deeper understand of math concepts by each student. Our student work on math concepts such as identifying shapes, addition, and subtraction. This may look differently for our students versus their non disabled peers.
It is very challenging to teach math concepts without hands on manipulatives to students with visual impairments.
Each student in the classroom, with or without visual impairments, require one on one assistance in accessing the curriculum to complete any academic lesson. Math manipulatives would allow the students to better engage in lessons and understanding math concepts.
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 Mrs. Dodd and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
