More than half of students from low鈥慽ncome households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.
Monthly
One-time
Support Ms. Nigro's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.
Monthly
One-time
Give to a project to support this classroom.
Your custom url is /ms-nigro
Two years ago my 4th-grade teaching role transitioned from a general education elementary role, I taught every subject, to the departmentalized model. This new model allows me to focus on providing a greater level of expertise and helps students develop a stronger number sense.
While the departmentalization model lends itself to a cooperative student learning approach and differentiation, my students are stuck using "traditional" old school single student desks. Students often have a difficult time maneuvering their bodies while working in groups or following my movements as I bounce around the classroom. I would love to start integrating more flexible desk options. I feel flexible, mobile desks will help my math students quickly and easily pair up and work in small groups.
My own personal experience as a reformed "math-hater" drives me to provide the best possible experience for my students. When I was in fourth grade, I had a very difficult time in math class. I remember my math teacher getting upset with me because I had a difficult time grasping concepts. My inability to quickly understand clearly upset her. After working with me for awhile, I recall her saying, 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing more I can do. You鈥檙e just not good at math.鈥 Her comments sparked my dislike of math and problem-solving and my insecurity in the subject matter. I struggled with math throughout the rest of my elementary, middle and high school years. I was always second guessing myself and insecure about sharing my answers or work. Because I always doubted myself, it was hard for me to develop my mathematical intelligence. I finally had a crystallizing experience in college. Most of my math teachers lectured, believed in skill and drill and rarely encouraged collaboration and discussion.
I know my students will benefit from collaborative student desks!
About my class
Two years ago my 4th-grade teaching role transitioned from a general education elementary role, I taught every subject, to the departmentalized model. This new model allows me to focus on providing a greater level of expertise and helps students develop a stronger number sense.
While the departmentalization model lends itself to a cooperative student learning approach and differentiation, my students are stuck using "traditional" old school single student desks. Students often have a difficult time maneuvering their bodies while working in groups or following my movements as I bounce around the classroom. I would love to start integrating more flexible desk options. I feel flexible, mobile desks will help my math students quickly and easily pair up and work in small groups.
My own personal experience as a reformed "math-hater" drives me to provide the best possible experience for my students. When I was in fourth grade, I had a very difficult time in math class. I remember my math teacher getting upset with me because I had a difficult time grasping concepts. My inability to quickly understand clearly upset her. After working with me for awhile, I recall her saying, 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing more I can do. You鈥檙e just not good at math.鈥 Her comments sparked my dislike of math and problem-solving and my insecurity in the subject matter. I struggled with math throughout the rest of my elementary, middle and high school years. I was always second guessing myself and insecure about sharing my answers or work. Because I always doubted myself, it was hard for me to develop my mathematical intelligence. I finally had a crystallizing experience in college. Most of my math teachers lectured, believed in skill and drill and rarely encouraged collaboration and discussion.
I know my students will benefit from collaborative student desks!