Our little, rural school in the woods is a welcoming gem that is treasured by the community. Surrounded by Manistee National Park, our school is diamond in the rough that houses 18 little energetic, curious, tenderhearted 3, 4, and 5-year-olds who are enjoying the first year of their education. I run a state-funded program called GSRP that accepts high risk, low-income students. While helping them overcome these obstacles, we find ways to help prepare them for kindergarten and guide them in developing a love for learning that will grow throughout their academic careers.
In order for my students to qualify for our program, their families have to be low income and have high-risk factors.
Despite this, you can walk into our classroom and you will hear music, laughter, and conversations that will fill your heart with joy. You may also get a bit messy because hands-on learning is our thing! We focus on developing literacy, mathematical, and social skills through supported play. In order to maintain an academically rich environment, we have to provide the students with materials that they can use to explore and manipulate to practice higher thinking skills.
My Project
Storytelling and retelling is an important skill in any classroom. With the flannel board and mini puppets in this project, we will be able to make story time more interactive and engaging for our easily distracted preschoolers. As they cradle their character or object in their hand, they will actively be listening to tell their part of the story and engage with their fellow classmates.
After the students have heard the stories being told, they will be able to independently retell the story's in the library with the mini puppets and felt board.
The board will be easily stuck to our whiteboard and accessible during large group and during free choice. Thank you for helping me provide these important materials for my students.
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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 Mrs. VanderVelde and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.