Math can be devilish. And... that teacher lady keeps putting me in the hotseat - when I just don't get MATH! Math can be H*&%! (HARD!!)
My 8th grade Mathematics kiddos are FULL of energy and potential!
We are a 7th and 8th grade building housing 1000+ students. We are high poverty. We are higher energy... and we aspire to have the HIGHEST motivation in our learning environments. That is the only reason I'm requesting assistance. I can't inspire these humans alone!
My Project
THE NUMBER DEVIL, by H. M. Enzenberger, stars a little boy and self-proclaimed math-hater Robert who spends his days nightmaring with math - and his nights dreaming and discovering the joy and reason behind complex mathematical ideas with the help of the Number Devil.
This 264 page 'math novel' is chock full of devilish excitement - and is conveniently broken down into chapters that are tackle-able in a class period. The problems posed in the novel are 'red hot'! They spark enthusiasm, thinking, and additional activities and brain EXPLOSIONS. They inspire students to LOVE what math CAN BE - and to understand that the math world they are working in NOW isn't the only one out there. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE! It isn't ALL solving equations and graphing lines: it is giving your brain the chance to spark, heat up, and catch fire! It is my hope that this kind of brain work can drive our learning for the entire year.
(Oh... and it lines up pretty nice with our standards, too.)
I recently received emails from two former students, both now math majors, both professing their love for THE NUMBER DEVIL, and both asking if I still read it to the kids.
I only had one copy of the book back then...and it is past RAGGED from use. I've not brought it out in a couple of years because the NEED for a classroom set seemed SO evident, but the resources were not showing themselves. I've got to find a way to do this - to make math something the kids remember - and remember LIKING!
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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. Menon and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.