Math, Technology, Science, and Language Arts Rolled into One!
The cost of a variety of mathematics manipulatives, including Pick-A-Pair Place Value Game and plastic coins (from Lakeshore Learning) is $574, 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>.
Can you imagine trying to understand concepts such as money, time, geometric shapes, and place value from a chalkboard? For the first graders that I teach, these difficult concepts can only be understood through hands-on materials and activities. Unfortunately, the current math curriculum in my school district does not include manipulatives that are necessary to explain concepts. Teachers rely on previously accumulated materials to supplement their lessons. As a new teacher, however, I lack many of these resources. For my twenty students, most of whom are second language learners, it would make all the difference to have concrete tangible objects to illustrate concepts.
Here is a typical conversation between myself and a fellow first grade teacher:
Me: "Do we have any attribute blocks for the unit on shapes?"
Colleague: "No, the program didn't include those. I bought some a few years ago and am missing some, but you're welcome to borrow what I have left. I just need them back later today."
As I was browsing materials I need in order to bring the math curriculum to life, I found that many things could serve multiple purposes. I made it my goal to find resources that I could use across the curriculum. A giant thermometer links science and math. CD-ROMs connect math and technology. Books about math concepts teach through reading. The materials are not consumable and will last for years to come. Furthermore, there is a tradition of sharing and borrowing at my school, so the materials could very easily serve third and fourth graders as well as my first graders. Thank you very much!!
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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. Olsen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.