Murphy's law says that what can go wrong will go wrong. Unfortunately this law holds true for my Kindergarten and first grade students. I teach in an impoverished neighborhood where any number of things can 'go wrong' on any given day. The children are faced with a great deal of challenges due to their poor socio-economic status. I am so encouraged by their fortitude and resilience. It's an honor to serve as their facilitator of learning!
Despite their challenges the children are an intuitive, quick-witted group who have really begun to latch on to problem solving skills. During math instruction I pose relevant issues that we work to solve. THEY LOVE IT. They really love the animated stories I weave before we get to the actual problem to be solved. These stories are usually off the cuff and the children charge me to repeat them or are eager to "see the story". Oft times the stories are so far fetched that I've forgotten them and there is nothing to show, hence this request.
Stuart Murphy is an author of children's books that focus on various math concepts. I am thinking that his books would serve as a new springboard and become an integral part of my teacher toolbox when presenting and reinforcing the concept of problem solving. We, as a class, could make inferences and extend the stories to create new problems. The books would serve as a tangible artifact for the children to explore independently or in small groups. Math would come alive with the integration of literacy.
Would you help us? We would appreciate you considering our class and its needs. Your generosity will make math more relatable and easier to teach. We thank you in advance for your consideration.
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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 Mrs. WINSLOW-CARTER and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.