I began teaching in a new school for the 2009-2010 school year. Opening a new school presented a number of challenges for administrators, teachers, and parents. However, the most important challenge was that the students make a smooth transition. In this day and age of economic crisis and budget concern, I need as many materials as possible to provide my students with the best possible experience.
Research has shown us that the 1st grade children I teach learn best from hands-on experiences ... in any subject! The biggest obstacle I face currently and will continue to face next year is the lack of math manipulatives.
My students need 3 sets of Geometric Solids and 2 sets of Inflatable Geometric Solids. To be able to understand that 2+2=4, the children first need to have counters in their hand and concretely see that when they have 2 here and 2 there ... putting them together makes 4. It is imperative that I provide my students with the materials to be able to learn math from a concrete place, so then they move deeper into the abstract. One future unit that I know will prove to be difficult is teaching from 2-D shapes into another dimension ... 3-D! I simply do not have the concrete examples of these shapes (cubes, spheres, pyramids, prisms, and cones) to put in the hands of my students. Yes, we can find examples of these objects in the world around us, but we first need to see the exact shape, to hold it, and to understand each dimension.
By supporting and funding this proposal, you will be making a difference in the future lives of these first grade students. Think of the many ways you use math everyday and then think back to how you learned it. These children need a strong foundation, and that starts in the classroom. Help my 23 first grade students "Shape Up" with 3-D shapes!
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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. Lochel and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.