Teaching is my passion and my calling. I love my students and do everything I can to help them succeed. I teach 2nd grade in a very high poverty, high trauma school, 100% free lunch school. I have several students who have parents in jail, 2nd grade is the first time they have been to school, or they have seen things happen in their lives that no child should.
The range of my 2nd-grade students goes from Pre-K to 5th-grade level.
I do my best to differentiate and fill their needs. These students need hands-on, visual learning. The traditional sheet work doesn't help them as much as they need.
For many of these students, I am their chance to make it in life. I am providing the foundation for them in reading and number sense. Whether I succeed or fail will be with them their entire life and I refuse to let them down. School is, at times, their only stability and the only place they are truly safe. My students need you because I can't do it alone.
My Project
I'm saddened at how little initiative my students are taking with simple problem-solving. 3 years ago my students were "thinkers" where they would try to find solutions on their own. This year my students are "waiters" where they wait until someone tells them the solution. Math scores are declining because they aren't able to picture what is going on in their minds. When told to create anything, very few try anything on their own. They look around at what others are doing, first.
COVID-19 has taken away cooperative learning and problem-solving skills from my students!
They don't know how to work with other children cooperatively. They don't know how to take turns in games. They simply don't know how to create. I want them to experience hands-on creative play where they work with each other on problems, designs, and solutions.
Students will use some of these materials to work together and create solutions to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) challenges. They will use the puzzles to notice patterns when figuring out where pieces will go (I was surprised to see students struggling with simple puzzles). The rest of the materials will be used to create math manipulatives so the students can understand why they regroup in addition and subtractions problems. All of these activities will help them with their problem-solving skills.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
hand2mind STEM Bins by Brooke Brown, 12 Ready-to-Fill Plastic Bins with Manipulative Labels (Bins Only)
• Amazon Business
$49.99
3
$149.97
hand2mind Blue Plastic Base Ten Blocks Complete Set, Place Value Blocks, Counting Cubes for Kids Math, Base 10 Math Manipulatives for Kids, Kindergarten Homeschool Supplies (Set of 161)
• Amazon Business
$33.81
2
$67.62
Play-Doh Modeling Compound 24-Pack Case of Colors, Non-Toxic, Multi-Color, 3-Ounce Cans, Ages 2 and up (Amazon Exclusive)
• Amazon Business
$20.99
2
$41.98
Learning Resources MathLink Cubes Big Builders - Set of 200 Cubes, Ages 5+ Develops Early Math Skills, STEM Toys, Math Games for Kids, Math Cubes for Kids, Math Cubes Manipulatives
• Amazon Business
$17.60
2
$35.20
Carson Dellosa STEM Challenges Learning Cards Bundle—Grades 2-5 Activity Cards with Dividers, Seasonal, Physical, Life, Space, and Earth Science, Hands-On STEM Activities (62 pc)
• Amazon Business
$32.17
1
$32.17
Velcro USA HOOK 70/BLK07525 70/71 TEXACRO Adhesive-Backed Hook-Side Only: 3/4" x 75 ft., black
• Amazon Business
$30.99
1
$30.99
LOVESTOWN 230 Pcs Wooden Pattern Blocks, Geometric Shapes Blocks Pattern Blocks with Cards Tangram Puzzles for Kids Educational Tangram Toys
• Amazon Business
$13.99
2
$27.98
30 Pack Craft Rolls - Round Cardboard Tubes - Cardboard Tubes for Crafts - Craft Tubes - Paper Tube for Crafts - 1.57 x 3.9 Inches - Brown
• Amazon Business
$11.75
2
$23.50
Wooden Jigsaw puzzles for kids ages 3-5 Year Old 30 Piece Colorful Wooden Puzzles for Toddler Children Learning Educational Puzzles Toys for Boys and Girls Set for Kids 3 4 5 6 Year Old (6 Puzzles)
• Amazon Business
$22.99
1
$22.99
Coogam Wooden Hexagon Puzzle for Kid Adults - Shape Pattern Block Tangram Brain Teaser Toy Geometry Logic IQ Game STEM Montessori Educational Gift for All Ages Challenge
• Amazon Business
$9.34
2
$18.68
500 Pack 3 Oz Paper Cups - Disposable Cups | Espresso Cups | Bathroom Cups 3 Oz Paper | Mouthwash Cups | Small Paper Cups | 3 Oz Bathroom Cups 3 Oz Paper | Small Cups
• Amazon Business
$16.99
1
$16.99
Scotch Gift Wrap Tape, 6 Rolls, the Go-To Tape for the Holidays, 3/4 x 650 Inches, Dispensered (615-GW)
• Amazon Business
$14.99
1
$14.99
Self Adhesive Dots, Strong Adhesive 500pcs(250 Pairs) 3/4" Diameter Sticky Back Coins Nylon Coins, Hook & Loop Dots with Waterproof Sticky Glue Coins Tapes, Very Suitable for Classroom, Office, Home
• Amazon Business
$6.99
2
$13.98
Carson Dellosa STEM Challenges, Jr. Learning Cards—PreK-Grade 1 Activity Cards and Divider for Early Readers, Plants, Animals, Weather, Insects, Hands-On STEM Activities (31 pc)
• Amazon Business
$12.37
1
$12.37
Acerich 2000 Pcs 1cm Assorted Pompoms Multicolor Valentine Day Arts and Crafts Fuzzy Pom Poms Balls for DIY Creative Crafts Decorations
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
126 Pack Craft Foam Balls, 5 Sizes Including 1-2.4 Inches, Polystyrene Smooth Round Balls, Foam Balls for Arts and Crafts, DIY Craft for Home, Supplies School Craft Project and Holiday Party, White
• Amazon Business
$11.99
1
$11.99
Pressman Toy Double Six Wooden Dominoes, 28 Pieces Wooden Dominoes Six, 5"
• Amazon Business
$5.99
2
$11.98
Carl & Kay 348 Pipe Cleaners & 48 Googly Eyes - Chenille Stems Pipe Cleaners Craft - Colorful Pipe Cleaners for Crafts - Colored Pipe Cleaners for Kids - Bulk Pipe Cleaners - Soft Fuzzy Chenille Stems
• Amazon Business
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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. Vantrease and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
