My students need 4 Problem-Solving Cases, Equivalency Flip-Boards, a Set of Probability Spinners, an Elapsed Time Game, Money Flash Cards, Measurement Match-Ups, 8 Math Operations Take-Home Rings; Problem-Solving, Measurement, and Number Sense Learning Centers; and Numbers and Operations Practice Cards.
I teach 3rd-grade at an inner-city charter school in Northern California where our motto is "We Celebrate Our Success."
Nearly 100% of our students receive free lunches and all of them live in a community notorious for violence. It may not be an environment in which you'd expect to find a school full of students talking excitedly about college, caring gently for creatures in terrariums, and cheering when it's time to practice the multiplication tables, but we are that school and we do indeed celebrate success. I like to tell the class that "Everyone is a mathematician (and a scientist, an author, a reader...)." I work hard to keep everyone, no matter what their incoming level, excited about math, from place value to probability. Having a large selection of math manipulatives, activities, and games helps me provide each child with an individualized plan that helps him or her gain confidence and skills while simultaneously promoting an interest in the very concept of math. In my class no one complains when it's time for Morning Math, the Daily Facts Quiz, or the first day of a new concept. On the contrary, they groan when recess time interrupts their practice time!
Some of the math supplies I would like the children to have include an elapsed time game to make this very tricky subject fun, spinners to help the students understand the concept of probability, flash cards and take-home rings so students can practice math with their family, and problem-solving, measurement, and number-sense learning centers to reinforce grade-level standards the fun way. I plan to use the materials for all levels of students to reinforce basic skills and to introduce new ones. We'll work independently, with partners, and in groups. I also see a great need for all the materials during a twice-weekly afterschool tutoring session during which I work with high-needs students in a small, supportive group. Even after a long day these students love having the small-group time to work together to learn their basic skills. Just yesterday one of the group members, who was coming down with a bad cold, feigned *wellness* in order to be able to stay for math tutoring.
Your help will ensure that the moment they step into the classroom the students will have access to the tools they need to sustain and increase their interest in and success with math. We may just be a little school in a large, challenged community, but our students are preparing for college, and some of them will undoubtedly become our country's top mathematicians, engineers, and architects. That is why we celebrate each other, those who help us, and ourselves. We celebrate math and we celebrate success!
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 Ms. McAvoy and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.