This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
Math is changing, and it's happening fast. My sixth and seventh grade scholars are being asked to do more than ever when thinking about math. They're being asked to discover, investigate, and inquire. For many of them, this is unfamiliar territory that we're just beginning to chart.
My scholars are sixth and seventh graders in an urban setting in New York.
They are highly motivated and cooperative. They are brilliant and love collaborating with one another to solve problems in new and innovative ways. It's early in the school year, and already I can see my scholars thinking about math in real and meaningful ways. They're looking at mathematical situations and asking new questions about them. With guidance and support, they're trying new things and talking to each other about what math really means. Already my scholars are a testament to how much kids can do if we can establish a positive environment and provide the right tools.
My Project
When I was in school math involved a lot of prescribed steps and procedures that were laid out by teachers and practiced ad nauseum by students. Perhaps it was the same for you. Today's students are being asked to do more than memorize facts and repeat algorithms. They're required to think and discuss, debate and challenge, prove and revise. The resources I'm requesting will help my scholars become critical mathematical thinkers. The document camera will be an incredible addition to our classroom, enabling students to literally zoom in on the strategies and ideas that they themselves are developing. The manipulatives and graphing materials will allow them to construct physical and visual models to represent their thinking. With your help my students will continue to gain the skills and confidence they will need in order to solve real problems now and in the future.
The skills required of the American workforce are evolving rapidly.
Our children need to learn how to think on their feet if we want them to have a chance at competing in the global marketplace. The teaching of mathematics is changing as we strive to meet today's challenges and prepare our kids to be innovative, creative, and flexible. With your support, my students will be well on their way.
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 Ms. Haskell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.