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
The third-graders in my class are inquisitive, energetic, and hardworking scholars. As a first-year teacher, it's my goal to create an engaging, positive, and organized class environment that helps students to thrive. Every student in my classroom learns in a different way, and their creativity and excitement for math is inspiring!
Our school is considered a safe space for my third graders, and our classroom environment plays a pivotal role in my students’ academic success.
I teach math and science at a Title I school on the South Side of Chicago. 99.7% of my students receive free or reduced-price lunch, therefore resources are often limited. When students lack basic needs, there can be negative effects on their academic and social-emotional advances. When students enter the class, they are able to step away from the worries they face in their home life such as homelessness and the effects of poverty. My scholars persevere through difficult circumstances daily, and I want to provide them every opportunity possible to advance their learning.
We work together in our classroom to develop personal relationships that foster a sense of belonging and community. My students are active learners, they are scientists, problem solvers, explorers, and creators.
My Project
The materials in this project are differentiated tools that will help meet the needs of all of my students. Those that are struggling to understand math will benefit because these tools allow the students to learn concepts in new and innovative ways. During small groups it is important that groups are engaged and working with materials that are best fit to their learning style. While students work independently within their small groups, I can focus on individual student needs in a teacher led group. Without an organized small group and centers routine, students can become distracted thus decreasing their learning. These materials will help scholars learn more effectively and introduce choice into our math routine.
It is important to provide scholars with activities where they can learn in the style best fit for them, whether it is auditory, visual, or kinesthetic, and the materials in this project will allow just that!
In order to learn many of the complex mathematical concepts, my students need to use manipulatives such as the Elapsed Time Learning Center, Multiplication Center, and Multiplication Flash Cards. Visual learners will be able to draw & create arrays, tape diagrams, and number bonds when they are practicing their multiplication and division on the Write and Wipe Boards and with the Beginning Multiplication Learning Center. Multiplication is introduced for the first time at the beginning of third grade, and the set of multiplication fact cards will provide my students with a resource for practicing and quizzing their peers on multiplication facts. My school does not currently have manipulative resources for students, therefore these tools will truly impact their understanding of math.Students will use center materials and white boards daily. Incorporating these materials into both whole and small group lessons on a daily basis will deepen mathematical understanding and individualized learning.
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. Davis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
