OMAHA, NE—Omaha Public Schools Gifted Facilitator Shari Collins is a big believer in the power of the First In Math® Online Program—and also a believer in the power that positive motivation has in determining student success.
"We use First In Math as a math differentiation tool, and I use a variety of ways to motivate the students," says Collins, who travels to four schools within the Omaha Public School District. "At Spring Lake Magnet School, students set a FIM Personal Point Goal each quarter. If they reach the goal, they are invited to a 24® Game Party at the end of the quarter." Collins also hands out FIM Milestone certificates, and sends weekly reports via email conference to the entire school. "The top three players in Grades 3-4 wear their First In Math® lanyards on the day I'm at their school each week, which is fun."
MooLay displays her FIM 7,000-Sticker Milestone Certificate. Originally from Thailand, MooLay came to Harrison ES as a third-grade English Language Learner.
Perhaps most creative is Collins' use of 'FIM Point Clubs.' At Benson West Elementary and Harrison Elementary, she posts the Point Clubs on a bulletin board outside her room. "Everyone enjoys seeing who has made the '1,000-Point Club, the 2,000-Point Club, and so on," according to Collins. "At Harrison, the principal announces the highest performing students at the All School Award Ceremony, and we also have a party at the end of the year to honor the highest FIM performers."
"Shari is a true advocate for our students," says Spring Lake Magnet Center Assistant Principal Renee Franks. "I see her celebrating a student's success or encouraging them to keep working. It becomes a chain reaction in the building."
Collins has been using First In Math for four years, and reports that students often come in before and after school to work on the program. "Students enjoy the friendly competition the program offers. They learn a lot of different skills; they even learn about statistics by monitoring the rankings for our state."
"Students gain confidence not only in math, but several teachers have told me that it has given their students more confidence in all areas of school. We use our students as peer teachers. When a student doesn't understand a new Skill Set or Bonus game, we have a more-experienced student who has already mastered the game explain it. This also helps with confidence."
Collins is quick to point out that every type of learner can benefit from the program, not just gifted. "Several of our district's top scorers are Dual Language and/or English Language Learners, which is fantastic." Currently, Nebraska's top five FIM schools are: Harrison ES; Spring Lake Magnet; Columbian ES; Crestridge ES and Marrs (R.M.) Magnet.
Editor's note: Teachers can download FIM Certificates from the CERTIFICATES link on their Team Leader Home Page.