My students need math materials, such as base 10 blocks, protractors, unifix cubes, fraction tiles/circles, pattern blocks, and measurement sets to learn important math curriculum.
The students in my special education class need tangible ways to learn abstract math concepts. A variety of math manipulatives gives them the opportunity to experience many different ways to master all math concepts included in the Common Core State Standards for all grade levels, K through 5.
My class consists of approximately 70 students in grades K through 5 with special needs, ranging from learning disabilities to autism to intellectual disabilities.
My students are very eager to learn but have a hard time keeping pace with regular education students, due to a lack of hands-on opportunities in their regular classrooms. When they come to my classroom, I try to give them those hands-on experiences they need at a pace they can handle. There are approximately 700 students in my school, which is situated in an upper-middle class neighborhood. About 35% of our student population receives free/reduced lunch. We run a Chinese dual-immersion program that is currently implemented in grades K-4, where math concepts are taught in Chinese increasing the need for these hands-on experiences that my students require.
My Project
The beauty of the resources is that they can be used by all students in all grade levels and across all domains of the Common Core State Standards. They will be used during small-group instruction where we will focus on a specific skill, and by students working independently or with a partner to apply the skills learned during instruction. For example, the liquid measurement set will be used to demonstrate how to measure volume in a small-group setting. Students will then use these same materials to explore volume in a hands-on station where they will be asked to convert within and between the two measurement systems .
Furthermore, students will use the Unifix cubes, centimeter cubes, and color tiles to explore number concepts, problem solving strategies in each of the four operations, algebraic thinking and geometry. They will master these skills by completing task cards and describing their mathematical understanding in writing.
Currently, my supply of these materials is very limited, which inhibits the students opportunity to directly receive the hands-on experiences they need to master these skills.
Receiving donations to this project will dramatically increase their access to the materials needed for them to experience the necessary hands-on lessons they so deeply need to master the skills they are taught.
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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. Clark and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.