My students need incentives and prizes to keep morale high, positively reinforce learning, & celebrate successes of struggling students performing way below grade level.
At the end of the school year I'd like to see my students show mastery of basic math facts. My biggest challenge is changing the attitude of my students, as they know they are in my class because they are struggling. Our focus is in developing high levels of self confidence & a "can do" attitude.
I teach 4th and 5th grade low income, inner city students who have tested well below grade level in Math.
A quarter of each of my classes are comprised of Special Education students. Many shut down when they do not know something. Self confidence is low and frustration high. Motivation is lacking in most and teaching can be a challenge. But, they are all capable and by the end of the year, I'd love for them to see the growth they make. Many of my students are lacking in positive reinforcement outside of the classroom and have grown up learning that tangible incentives are more meaningful than intangible rewards.
My Project
The incentive charts and stickers will provide a visual for students to see the positive growth they make, as well as an opportunity to show off and celebrate their successes. The pencils, erasers, and bookmarks will serve a two-fold purpose of supplying students with necessary classroom supplies and providing tangible rewards when they reach milestone math goals (ex. mastering addition facts 0-5 in a timed format).
My project will increase student self confidence through the celebration of growth and academic success.
It will also motivate students to continue their academic journey and master all of their basic math facts, providing the basis of all math skills and bringing them closer to grade level performance.
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