My students walk into the classroom ready to learn, excited to be at school, and full of wonder. I always tell my students, "Let's make it the best day ever!" I want them to know I believe in them and they can do anything.
As one of only six Alternative Kindergarten (AK) classrooms in our school district, I impact early learners from diverse backgrounds.
Our AK program builds social skills, all while introducing these younger students to the scholastic environment. Within my classroom, I apply center-based learning to ensure creative growth and personal expression for all my students.
Our AK program follows kindergarten standards, but accommodates these younger learners with slower instructional pace. This adjustment allows my students to embrace the scholastic experience, while building the academic background necessary for kindergarten.
AK presents a wonderful place to foster a love of learning, creativity, while learning how school works.
My Project
My young students learn best through hands-on activities. They will use these STEM materials in their center-based learning environments as well as other educational lessons throughout the school day. These STEM materials will provide opportunities for imagination and learning in math, science, and literacy.
These materials will allow students to let their creativity shine through STEM projects.
I have a Makerspace Center where students can utilize the materials to make creations based on our current classroom theme. They can explore important concepts in a hands on way. In addition, the materials provide students options to demonstrate their understanding of math standards. The math manipulatives will provide opportunities for my students to be engaged, construct objects, show success and excitement, and have fun while learning!
The students can demonstrate problem solving by listening to the three beloved fairy tales and discovering ways to help the characters in the stories solve a problem. Goldilocks will have sturdier furniture, the 3 Little Pigs will have sturdier homes, and the billy goats will not interrupt the troll as they make their way over the bridge. Students can show their own individuality by demonstrating their own ways to help the characters in these stories find success.
The Beebot is such an exciting piece of technology and a captivating introduction to directionality, estimating, and problem solving. My students will help Beebot get from point A to point B by coding directions. Beebot will be used both whole-group and as a center. My AK students have the opportunity to create and nurture their learning by using all these amazing materials!
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