My students need 22 picture books to help develop and reinforce their conceptual understanding of how mathematics plays a part in their day to day lives.
"Why do I need math?" I hear this every year. The need for Mathematics is an abstract concept. Learning to estimate, count money, tell time, and those addition and subtraction facts are a daunting task. Help me to help my students through literature. Literature brings mathematics to life
My multicultural students live in severe poverty; however, that does not diminish their spirit or drive to be successful in school.
These students are extraordinary. Many are bilingual and all live in difficult conditions. Many have parents that are not educated. One might think this would minimize parent expectation. That could not be farther from the truth. The desperate need for education is evident within their family relationships. Not just mom or dad. Expectations exist among aunts, uncles, and grandparents as well. The students want to please their families. As their teacher, I know that every time I offer enrichment with a lesson to help my students connect what they learn in class to their daily lives, real conceptual understanding takes place. Mathematics is a subject that my students find to be abstract. Often, they are not able to recognize how mathematics plays a part in their daily lives. One way to help my students make that connection is through literature.
My Project
Children’s Literature is amazing. Where else does a character such as a triangle, pig, or an orange come alive? These characters teach everything from addition to subtraction and telling time. The books I selected depict all ethnicities and cultures from our Native American to around the world. I will read the books aloud following the appropriate lesson; therefore, helping students to see first hand how to apply what they are ready to practice. Best of all there is more. Not only will the students learn about Mathematics, they will have the opportunity to read the books independently or with a buddy. This increases their Academic Learning Time by as much as an additional eleven hours per year. Many of the books may be used in Science while learning about changes that take place in a recipe or the differences between solids and liquids. I foresee my students year after year spending hours with these fascinating books.
You have the opportunity to fund a project that will impact the successes of students’ everyday lives.
Best of all, it does not stop there. These students have parents and siblings to benefit from their knowledge. Literature and Reading are linked directly to all academic areas. Please consider the lasting impact this project will have.
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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. Walden and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.