Middle school can be tough. Socially, emotionally, and academically, there can be lots of challenges for students in the early teen years. My students are learning English and adapting to a new culture while navigating these difficult years, and this creates an extra layer of challenge.
My English language learner students are resilient, resourceful, and caring young teens.
These students have been through a great deal beyond their control in their short lives, but they use multiple talents and strengths to overcome current obstacles. We share hands-on experiences as a springboard for launching into a new language. Investigating STEM topics, history, and the arts in our language arts classroom allows my older new readers to develop key reading and writing skills with age-appropriate materials.
My Project
My students use Khan Academy on a daily basis. This free online program allows students to work on whatever math skills need strengthening regardless of grade level. For my students, some of them unschooled or with extremely limited prior schooling, this kind of differentiated and flexible approach is the only thing that makes sense.
Next week, we will be embarking on a unit about shopping which requires students to total costs, figure sales tax and discounts, and evaluate different pricing scenarios to make decisions about best value.
All of these activities teach basic math facts and calculation, but they also help students develop important understanding of key financial literacy concepts. Two additional Chromebooks in our classroom will allow two more students to access effective and targeted math instruction.
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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 Ms. Livingstone and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
