Learning math can be fun by using different strategies to help students learn. According to Dr. Jo Boaler, a Stanford University professor, visualizing math is important because it allows students to deeply understand mathematical concepts by engaging multiple brain pathways, creating a richer learning experience. Being able to "see" math helps students build a stronger mental model and connect abstract ideas to concrete representations, leading to better problem-solving abilities and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
"Building Thinking Classrooms" author Dr. Peter Liljedahl’s practice of using “vertical non-permanent surfaces" with random student groups promotes high quality collaboration and facilitates questions and rich conversations among students.
When students are presented with challenging tasks and work vertically, the time for students to get to a task is not only quicker, but the time they spend on a task is longer as they discuss the task and share their reasoning. When the work is vertical, they can see each other’s work, which promotes knowledge mobility and gives greater access to more ideas. Dr. Liljedahls' research shows that when students are sitting, they feel anonymous. The further they sit from the teacher, the more anonymous they feel. When students feel anonymous, they disengage. Standing up and working together in peer groups takes away their anonymity. Students do not disengage, nor do they struggle alone. Using random groups and vertical whiteboards, my students enjoy challenges and math class is never boring. They are actively sharing ideas and learn a lot from their discussions.
With the magnetic math visuals for fractions, place value, and geometry, students will be able to work at vertical whiteboards together combining the effective research based practices of Dr. Boaler and Dr. Liljedahl making learning math engaging and fun.
Dowling Magnets Magnetic Place Value Disks & Headings (Grades 3–6): Ones, Tens, Hundreds, Thousands, Ten Thousands, Hundred Thousands, and Millions. Magnetic Place Value Manipulatives. Item 732162.
• Amazon Business
$19.99
8
$159.92
Learning Resources Magnetic Rainbow Fraction Tiles, Visual/Tactile Learning, Soft Foam Magnetic Tiles, 51 Pieces, Ages 6+, Multicolor (LER0611)
• Amazon Business
Big Magnetic Ten Frame Set, Opret 52 Pieces Math Manipulatives for Elementary, Kindergarten Classroom Must Haves Math Games with Storage Bag, Ages 5+, 4 Frames, 44 Counters, 2 Plus and 2 Minus
• Amazon Business
$18.79
4
$75.16
Simply magic 131 PCS Jumbo Magnetic Base Ten Blocks for Math, Place Value Blocks, Magnetic Base 10 Blocks Set for Teachers, Math Blocks for Counting, Counting Blocks, Magnetic Math Manipulatives K-3
• Amazon Business
$20.00
3
$60.00
stochastic box Magnetic Fraction Tiles Circles 51 pcs Fraction Bars Set, Rainbow Math Manipulatives for Preschool Elementary School Classroom Educational Kit
• Amazon Business
$9.69
5
$48.45
Dowling Magnets Magnetic Two-Color Counters (Red/Yellow, 1 inch Diameter Each), Set of 200. Item 732190. Counters for Kids Math/Math Counters for Kids/Magnetic Math Manipulatives/Montessori Math
• Amazon Business
$14.99
3
$44.97
Materials cost
$567.67
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$24.98
3rd party payment processing fee
$8.52
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$631.17
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$111.38
Total project goal
$742.55
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$742.55
1 Donor
-$742.55
Donations toward project cost
-$631.17
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Trifonovitch and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.