Imagine 5 year olds, sitting criss cross to listen to a favorite story; creating a pattern with snaps and claps; reading today's morning message to find out what the day will hold; singing a song to learn each other's names. All of these activities take place in their special spot on the class rug.
My students are inquisitive 5 year olds, enthusiastic about learning as much as they can about themselves, each other, and everything else Kindergarten has to offer.
We are a public school in West Berkeley with a diverse population. We have full day Kindergarten classes and students leave Kindergarten knowing how to read, write, count to 30, add and subtract with objects and a great deal more.
My Project
I would like a new classroom rug that includes 20 spaces, numbered 1-20, ringed by bumble bees that include each letter of the alphabet. I chose this activity carpet because it will not only provide each student with their very own special place on the rug-which is important to young children-but will also provide a place for students to engage with curriculum in an active and physical way.
Imagine throwing bean bags to match numbers and letters; identifying those "tricky teens" by which friend is sitting on 11; hopping on the letters in your name; or having a personal connection to a number because it is your special spot.
The academic demands have increased a great deal in Kindergarten. Anytime I can provide play in the classroom setting and as a part of my routines, I am allowing my students to learn in ways that are most appropriate for early childhood.
The classroom rug is a special place in the Kindergarten classroom.
It is where we gather to both begin and end the day. Many meaningful routines take place on the rug. Community is built. Students feel safe and nurtured when they are sitting on their very own special place on that rug. They feel the significance of their place in the classroom as they learn and grow.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Iglehart and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
