We are preparing today's learners for careers that do not exist yet. How can I best help my students for an ever-changing world? I believe a powerful way to do this is exploring amazing manipulatives that will encourage creativity, flexibility, adaptability, cooperation and out-of-the-box thinking.
My 2nd graders are curious, insightful, and diverse little people.
They are eager to learn and grow. My school is in a suburban district outside of Buffalo, NY. On St. Patrick's Day, we did a STEM challenge where they constructed leprechaun traps. My kids were full of creative ideas. I know they are capable of more. Better and more innovative materials will help stretch their potential. With 2 sets of the manipulatives. Hexactly (focusing on geometry and visual/spatial acuity) to allow them to build horizontally and vertically, 2 sets of Squigz (fine motor, hand strength and engineering skills), 1 set of Brain Flakes (spatial reasoning and engineering), 1 set of Mighty Molecules (spatial, hand-eye), 1 set of Cup Up (geometric design and construction), 1 set of Magz Bricks (engineering and magnetism) and 1 set of Qubits (architecture and engineering), my students will benefit from creative toys which build STEM skills. Learning is natural with toys like these.
My Project
On a recent trip with my family to the Strong National Museum of Play, I noticed tables in a large open area filled with big tubs of unique manipulatives. There was no support staff in the area, yet it was constantly full of families sitting together and building. Every adult and child sat mesmerized and creatively used these manipulatives. No directions were given. They just built.
With these specific STEM-focused manipulatives, my students will be able to learn through play and investigation. I've been researching alternatives to "Morning Work" where kids do a worksheet or some other job upon entering the classroom each day. While these sponge activities set up the thinking for the day, they certainly aren't fun.
My students will come into the classroom every morning and be able to choose a bin of manipulatives with which to play, during the 15 minutes before announcements. With this wide variety of choice, my students will be engaged in FUN, hands-on, play-based learning.
This will help my kids from the moment they enter my classroom door.
Think of it this way, every single child entering my room will know they have a few minutes to decompress, play, socialize, build and create. Who wouldn't want that? The manipulatives I've selected are some of the same ones available at the Strong Museum. They've been proven to captivate visitors to the museum and with your help my students will have that same experience. We will also use them for STEM-challenge activities.
Squigztm Deluxe Set (50 Pieces)
• Kaplan Early Learning Company
$42.46
2
$84.92
Magz-Bricks 60 piece Magnetic Building Set Offered Exclussively by Magz
• Amazon Business
$29.95
2
$59.90
84 Piece Qubits Mega Kit - Interlocking Building Toy - Twice the number of pieces as our Qubits Travel Kit.
• Amazon Business
$44.95
1
$44.95
Cup Up 50 building set consisting of a base in Black and 49 cups in 5 colors. Teaches younger kids colors, counting, addition and subtraction and a building kit for all ages
• Amazon Business
$19.95
2
$39.90
GoldFlower Mighty Molecules Big Size Connect 90 Piece Interlocking Solid PE Plastic Building Set| Kids Safe Material | Package with Reusable Bag
• Amazon Business
$10.99
2
$21.98
VIAHART Brain Flakes 500 Piece Interlocking Plastic Disc Set
• Amazon Business
$18.99
1
$18.99
Materials cost
$270.64
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.06
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$304.70
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$53.77
Total project goal
$358.47
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$358.47
13 Donors
-$340.82
Donations toward project cost
-$304.70
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Mrs. Longhouse and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
