Jack Jennings once said, “Math achievement is going up in the United States in the long term...It is not, however, where kids in the United States ought to be.” Many students coming into the classroom do not have a solid understanding of multiplication, causing them to be behind from the start.
I have amazing students in my classroom.
They come everyday with a deep desire to learn and grow in the classroom. They are a great encouragement to each other and supportive in the learning environment. Many of them have not been challenged in school to learn their multiplication tables so we are focusing on this very important skill this year.
Our school is a supportive environment for students. They are encouraged to take risks, try new things, and be involved. There are opportunities for involvement in Student Council, BOB (Battle of the Books), SWATT (Students With An Aptitude to Teach), lunchtime and after school sports, Cheerleading, Morning Valet, Postal Workers, Library Aides, and many more. Students are also challenged to be students of Character through our Character Counts program. Each month students participate in Community Service projects. These can range from donating books to a local kids center to raising money for a natural disaster around the world.
My Project
Students have never been challenged to step up and know their multiplication facts. This year, I am holding my students accountable to learn them because it is a foundational skill that they need for success in both math and life. To help in this challenge, I am requesting timers for students to use in timing themselves on their daily minute math skills. They have goals to meet and individualizing this will allow students to monitor their progress which will make learning more accountable for them.
I also believe a great way to reinforce a concept is through the use of games. I am requesting some math games for groups in similar ability levels to practice together. This will also allow them to push each other in learning their facts.
I have included some electronic multiplication games as well for my lower students that need one on one immediate feedback. During our work time, it will allow them to move to a table in my room and practice for a few minutes each day.
By donating to this project, you will be helping fifth graders master skills they will need to be successful in their futures.
I hope that my students have a greater mastery of multiplication and the understanding that math can be a fun subject to learn via the use of games.
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. Sharrer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
