My students struggle every year to pass the state test in mathematics. They tend to have a dislike of math because they have not been successful. I want math to be fun for them. I have noticed that the more hands-on materials I can give them to work with, the more excited they are with math.
My students are public school students in grades 6-8.
They are the students that struggle with math concepts and struggle to pass the state test. Most come from economically challenged homes where their parents also struggle with math. These students have been assigned to me for an extra math class everyday. This class is in addition to their regular math class. In this class we work on key concepts the students are struggling with and are preventing them from grasping further math skills. The more hands-on I can make my lessons, the more involved the students become and the more they enjoy the topic.
My Project
The math sets, math games, and brain teasers I am requesting will allow each and every child to have a fun math challenge at their desk. These activities will increase spatial awareness and higher order thinking skills. Most of all it will show students that math isn't all numbers and can be challenging and fun at the same time. It is my belief that as the students grow to enjoy math more they will become more willing to try new activities in math and as an end result will have an increase in their state test scores.
It is also my plan for students to be able to sign out the activities to take home and share with their families over a weekend to increase the family's involvement in their education. Many parents come into my classroom and tell me they were bad at math as well. Hopefully these materials will help stop the cycle of math failure.
These students need to find a reason to love mathematics.
For 6 or more years they have struggled and developed a dislike of the material. The more they struggle the more they resist attempts to help them grasp key concepts. If students develop a love of mathematics they will be more willing to challenge themselves in the class. Finally, as an end result I want my students to be able to take their love of math home and share it with their families.
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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. Park and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.