Our project seeks to elevate math education for all students k-5 by integrating the Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats, designed to cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. These kinesthetic mats transform traditional math lessons into dynamic, hands-on activities and assist in bridging gaps in math comprehension while promoting physical well-being. The interactive nature of the mats fosters inclusivity, offering a multi-sensory approach that supports students with different learning needs, including those in special education. This innovative method encourages active participation, making math accessible and enjoyable for every learner.
Current State and Challenges: Our school is facing significant challenges in math achievement, particularly evident in the 2023 STAAR scores for students in grades 3-5. Data indicates that only 45% of our students "Meet Grade Level" standards. In addition, just 18% "Masters Grade Level," highlighting a pressing need for targeted intervention. The situation is even more critical for our special education students, with only 22% of Texas SpEd students meeting grade-level expectations, demonstrating a significant achievement gap. Demographic Context: Our school serves a diverse student body, with 59.37 % of students identified as economically disadvantaged and 18.9 % receiving special education services. The demographic makeup includes a significant proportion of English Language Learners (ELLs) and students from various cultural backgrounds. These factors contribute to the unique learning needs within our classrooms, where traditional teaching methods may not effectively engage all students. Target Population: The project will assist all grade-level math TEKS, with current focus on reinforcing concepts in grades 3-5, including special education students and ELLs. Need for Change: The 2023 STAAR data underscores a critical need for changes in math instruction. Current teaching methods are not sufficiently addressing the diverse needs of our student population, leading to disengagement and low achievement. Traditional classroom settings often fail to capture the attention of students who benefit from more active, hands-on learning experiences. Moreover, the post-pandemic learning environment has exacerbated these challenges, as students struggle to regain lost academic ground. Proposed Solution: The implementation of Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats addresses these challenges by introducing an interactive, movement-based approach to math instruction. Research supports the effectiveness of kinesthetic learning, particularly for students who struggle with traditional methods. The mats will allow students to engage physically with math concepts, promoting deeper understanding and retention. This approach is expected to close achievement gaps, increase student engagement, and improve overall math performance and information retention. Immediate and Long-Term Impact: In the short term, this project will provide immediate support to students who are currently underperforming in math, offering them a new way to interact with challenging content. In the long term, the program aims to foster a school-wide culture of interactive learning, where students are encouraged to explore and understand math in a dynamic and inclusive environment. The mats will also be utilized during family nights, extending the impact beyond the classroom and involving parents in their children's learning process. By addressing the current deficiencies in math achievement through innovative and research-proven methods, this project has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved by traditional educational approaches.
This project aims to address the diverse learning needs of students in our school by integrating Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats into our curriculum. These mats will be used to create interactive, movement-based activities that engage students and reinforce math concepts in a dynamic and inclusive way. By doing so, we will enhance student learning, increase engagement, and close achievement gaps. SMART Objectives: Specific: Our project will utilize Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats to provide interactive math instruction to students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. The mats will be incorporated into weekly lessons, as well as during family nights and school-wide events. Measurable: Success will be measured by an increase in student engagement, participation, and math proficiency. We aim to see a 10% improvement in math test scores for participating students by the end of the school year. Achievable: The mats will be deployed across 3-4 classrooms at a time in a rotating fashion, accommodating up to 120 students simultaneously. With nine mats in the bundle, students will work in small groups, ensuring active participation and hands-on learning for each learner. Realistic: The project will be integrated into existing math lessons, requiring no additional training or recurring costs. Teachers will rotate the mats between classes, ensuring that all students have access throughout the year. Time-Bound: The project will be implemented immediately following funding, with ongoing use throughout the school year. The impact on student learning will be evaluated through quarterly assessments and surveys. Project Implementation: The Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats will be utilized in a variety of settings, including classrooms, hallways, the gym, and outdoor spaces. By using these mats, students will engage in activities that require physical movement to solve math problems, fostering both cognitive and physical development. The mats will also be a highlight of family nights, where parents and students can interact with the learning materials together, promoting a community-focused approach to education. Each math mat is designed with specific math skills in mind, such as number recognition, basic operations, fractions, and geometry. Students will rotate through stations, working collaboratively to solve problems, reinforcing their understanding of key concepts in an engaging way. The mats will be used regularly, allowing teachers to integrate these activities into their lesson plans and adapt them to different learning objectives. Impact on Student Learning: By integrating movement into math instruction, this project will enhance student learning by making abstract concepts tangible and engaging. Research has shown that kinesthetic learning, where students learn through physical activity, improves memory retention and boosts engagement. This is particularly effective for students who are not well-served by traditional teaching methods, including those with ADHD and other learning differences. By providing a hands-on learning experience, we expect to see significant improvements in student engagement and achievement in math. Support for District Mission: This project aligns with the Crosby Independent School District’s mission to provide personalized learning experiences that recognize and accommodate the diverse needs of our students. By introducing an innovative, movement-based approach to math instruction, we are addressing the unique challenges faced by our students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Extensive research supports the benefits of kinesthetic learning, particularly for students with learning differences. Studies indicate that physical activity during learning not only enhances cognitive function but also increases engagement and academic performance. For example, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who engaged in movement-based learning activities scored 20% higher on tests than those who did not. By incorporating Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats into our curriculum, we are aligning our educational practices with these research-backed strategies, ensuring that our students receive the most effective instruction possible. This project addresses a critical need in our school, providing a sustainable, evidence-based solution that will enrich the educational experience for all students. Through the use of these interactive mats, we aim to create a more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environment that supports long-term success in math and beyond.
Current State and Challenges: Our school is facing significant challenges in math achievement, particularly evident in the 2023 STAAR scores for students in grades 3-5. Data indicates that only 45% of our students "Meet Grade Level" standards. In addition, just 18% "Masters Grade Level," highlighting a pressing need for targeted intervention. The situation is even more critical for our special education students, with only 22% of Texas SpEd students meeting grade-level expectations, demonstrating a significant achievement gap. Demographic Context: Our school serves a diverse student body, with 59.37 % of students identified as economically disadvantaged and 18.9 % receiving special education services. The demographic makeup includes a significant proportion of English Language Learners (ELLs) and students from various cultural backgrounds. These factors contribute to the unique learning needs within our classrooms, where traditional teaching methods may not effectively engage all students. Target Population: The project will assist all grade-level math TEKS, with current focus on reinforcing concepts in grades 3-5, including special education students and ELLs. Need for Change: The 2023 STAAR data underscores a critical need for changes in math instruction. Current teaching methods are not sufficiently addressing the diverse needs of our student population, leading to disengagement and low achievement. Traditional classroom settings often fail to capture the attention of students who benefit from more active, hands-on learning experiences. Moreover, the post-pandemic learning environment has exacerbated these challenges, as students struggle to regain lost academic ground. Proposed Solution: The implementation of Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats addresses these challenges by introducing an interactive, movement-based approach to math instruction. Research supports the effectiveness of kinesthetic learning, particularly for students who struggle with traditional methods. The mats will allow students to engage physically with math concepts, promoting deeper understanding and retention. This approach is expected to close achievement gaps, increase student engagement, and improve overall math performance and information retention. Immediate and Long-Term Impact: In the short term, this project will provide immediate support to students who are currently underperforming in math, offering them a new way to interact with challenging content. In the long term, the program aims to foster a school-wide culture of interactive learning, where students are encouraged to explore and understand math in a dynamic and inclusive environment. The mats will also be utilized during family nights, extending the impact beyond the classroom and involving parents in their children's learning process. By addressing the current deficiencies in math achievement through innovative and research-proven methods, this project has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved by traditional educational approaches.
This project aims to address the diverse learning needs of students in our school by integrating Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats into our curriculum. These mats will be used to create interactive, movement-based activities that engage students and reinforce math concepts in a dynamic and inclusive way. By doing so, we will enhance student learning, increase engagement, and close achievement gaps. SMART Objectives: Specific: Our project will utilize Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats to provide interactive math instruction to students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. The mats will be incorporated into weekly lessons, as well as during family nights and school-wide events. Measurable: Success will be measured by an increase in student engagement, participation, and math proficiency. We aim to see a 10% improvement in math test scores for participating students by the end of the school year. Achievable: The mats will be deployed across 3-4 classrooms at a time in a rotating fashion, accommodating up to 120 students simultaneously. With nine mats in the bundle, students will work in small groups, ensuring active participation and hands-on learning for each learner. Realistic: The project will be integrated into existing math lessons, requiring no additional training or recurring costs. Teachers will rotate the mats between classes, ensuring that all students have access throughout the year. Time-Bound: The project will be implemented immediately following funding, with ongoing use throughout the school year. The impact on student learning will be evaluated through quarterly assessments and surveys. Project Implementation: The Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats will be utilized in a variety of settings, including classrooms, hallways, the gym, and outdoor spaces. By using these mats, students will engage in activities that require physical movement to solve math problems, fostering both cognitive and physical development. The mats will also be a highlight of family nights, where parents and students can interact with the learning materials together, promoting a community-focused approach to education. Each math mat is designed with specific math skills in mind, such as number recognition, basic operations, fractions, and geometry. Students will rotate through stations, working collaboratively to solve problems, reinforcing their understanding of key concepts in an engaging way. The mats will be used regularly, allowing teachers to integrate these activities into their lesson plans and adapt them to different learning objectives. Impact on Student Learning: By integrating movement into math instruction, this project will enhance student learning by making abstract concepts tangible and engaging. Research has shown that kinesthetic learning, where students learn through physical activity, improves memory retention and boosts engagement. This is particularly effective for students who are not well-served by traditional teaching methods, including those with ADHD and other learning differences. By providing a hands-on learning experience, we expect to see significant improvements in student engagement and achievement in math. Support for District Mission: This project aligns with the Crosby Independent School District’s mission to provide personalized learning experiences that recognize and accommodate the diverse needs of our students. By introducing an innovative, movement-based approach to math instruction, we are addressing the unique challenges faced by our students and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Extensive research supports the benefits of kinesthetic learning, particularly for students with learning differences. Studies indicate that physical activity during learning not only enhances cognitive function but also increases engagement and academic performance. For example, a study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who engaged in movement-based learning activities scored 20% higher on tests than those who did not. By incorporating Action-Based Learning Math Bundle Mats into our curriculum, we are aligning our educational practices with these research-backed strategies, ensuring that our students receive the most effective instruction possible. This project addresses a critical need in our school, providing a sustainable, evidence-based solution that will enrich the educational experience for all students. Through the use of these interactive mats, we aim to create a more engaging, inclusive, and effective learning environment that supports long-term success in math and beyond.
Kinetic Learning: Igniting Math Mastery Through Movement - Audrey Fontenot & Wendy Thompson
Item #1006
$2,174
Value:
priceless