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Goal

The goal of this grant is to create an engaging, interactive learning environment where students are encouraged to get out of their seats, collaborate with peers, and actively participate in problem-solving activities. By fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and hands-on learning experiences, this aims to empower students with the skills necessary for success in their academic and personal lives. Ultimately, I am seeking to instill a mindset of continuous growth and curiosity while preparing students to become lifelong learners who are adaptable, resourceful, and equipped to face future challenges. 

What will be done with my students

As a math educator, my focus is on fostering a collaborative, engaging, and student-centered learning environment. Each day, my students work in pairs or small groups to tackle mathematical problems, which allows them to support each other in developing problem-solving skills. We emphasize the use of mathematical vocabulary, encouraging students to articulate their thought processes as they explore different concepts.

We established group expectations early in the year, with a strong focus on peer collaboration—teaching students how to guide each other towards solutions, rather than providing answers. As I circulate the room, I work to guide students to their end results, providing tailored support to ensure that each learner’s needs are met.

One of the key tools I currently use is dry erase boards. They are incredibly effective for allowing students to quickly express their thinking, make mistakes, and correct them in real-time, with immediate feedback from both me and their peers. These small adjustments in understanding are crucial for building confidence and deepening comprehension.

On Wednesdays we do WIN "What.I.Need" based on previous assessments and standard gaps. We follow an I do, I do, You do format using dry erase boards. These boards will better enhance those lessons providing students with learning weaknesses flexibility in a low pressure environment. I can provide immediate feedback during the "You do" step. The boards make problems customizable to meet the needs of the students and promotes independence to allow them to self-assess without relying on constant teacher intervention.

In addition to these tools, I use Math Nation as an exploration and collaboration platform. While it offers great activities, I’ve identified the need for additional resources to enhance student engagement and success. Specifically, I have seen the positive impact that magnetic algebra tiles have had in a colleague’s classroom. These tiles, used collaboratively at whiteboards, are a powerful way for students to visualize mathematical concepts, especially when working with algebra and geometry. They not only help students make abstract ideas more tangible but also allow me to assess understanding quickly and provide immediate, targeted feedback.

Many of the concepts students encounter in algebra and geometry—such as functions, transformations, and linear equations—are often best understood when students can visualize and manipulate coordinate grids. Having a coordinate grid regularly available for student use will provide frequent opportunities for students to discuss how to approach various problems and reinforce their learning through hands-on practice.

In my classroom, I love to incorporate movement into learning. By encouraging students to get up and move to the whiteboards to work with these tools, I am able to engage students with different learning styles. Kinesthetic and tactile learners, in particular, benefit from physically interacting with the material. This not only makes learning more dynamic but also supports students who need hands-on experiences to solidify their understanding of abstract mathematical concepts.

These resources—magnetic algebra tiles and coordinate grids—are critical for supporting collaborative learning, visualizing key mathematical concepts, and ensuring that students are able to engage actively in their learning process. Receiving this grant would allow me to provide these much-needed tools and resources to my students, which would significantly enhance their ability to grasp challenging mathematical concepts and succeed in their mathematical journeys. 

Benefits to my students

There are many benefits for my students:

1. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of material.
2. Students will be learn how to collaborate with peers and problem solving together.
3. Students will become critical thinkers and learn how to explain their thinking.
4. Students with multiple learning needs can be accommodated in multiple ways helping to ensure better understanding and growth.  

Budget Narrative

These items would support Algebra 1 and Geometry students by creating student whiteboard stations. We will work as a team to share materials so all Algebra and Geometry students have an opportunity to work with the whiteboards. 

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