Winning Grant Ideas

[#1]

Description

I teach multiplication facts to my 5th and 6th grade students with special needs using manipulatives and catchy rhymes. My students are low achievers who have special needs that prohibit them from being successful in the general education classroom. The program I use for teaching multiplication facts helps my students reach goals, develop self-confidence, and feel successful. I make multiplication facts concrete and fun! When my students learn and apply these facts, they are proud of themselves.

Education Level(s)

5-6, Special Education

Subject(s)

Math & Science, Reading & Literacy, Specialized Instruction

Learning Objectives

My students are given a foundation for math application by learning their multiplication facts in elementary school. I teach my students a rhyme or "trick" for each fact using manipluatives to make it a concrete learning experience. Students keep track of facts they know, showing them progress toward a goal. Students work together to learn the facts, and they encourage each other along the way. Once students have mastered all the multiplication facts presented, we celebrate their achievement.

Materials

I use small manipulatives, such as plastic spiders or toy worms to teach the facts. Some facts are acted out by the students to help them internalize the facts and remember them. I present the facts in many ways, using a SmartBoard, dry erase boards, chalkboards, computer games, and worksheets to reinforce and meet all students' needs and learning styles. We play games with the multiplication facts as well.

Other Information

I work to motivate my students and encourage them in all areas of learning. I have seen students learn these multiplication facts and their feeling of self-worth soars. Learning multiplication facts may seem insignificant, but when this small thing can turn a child from having low self-esteem and feeling worthless, it is a huge thing! I will continue teaching multiplication facts this way, reaching out to my students, hoping and praying they will see their worth and that they are not failures.

Grant Sponsor: PCI Education

[#2]

Hi, My grandson is 8 and having a hard time to memorize the tables. Could you share the rhymes? He is very much into reading, languages and so on. I think rhymes would be an interesting way for him

Thanks a lot

[#3]

The program I use is called Rhymes 'n' Times. The curriculum is written by Anita Spires Turner, and you can order it on www.rhymesntimes.com. It's a really great program. All of my students enjoy it! Since the program is copyrighted, unfortunately I can't share all the rhymes with you. One example is the rule for multiplying zeroes. We say "Zero is Always the Hero!" To introduce it, I dress up like a superhero and encourage the students to chant the rhyme with me. I hope it works for your grandson! Good luck!!