Creating a Rigorous, Playful Environment for my Young Learners
My students need hands-on supplies and materials, like a Carolina kitchen set and IO Blocks that will ignite their imagination, engage them in authentic conversations, and tools that will provide opportunities to collaborate in problem-solving.
We are an active group of kindergarten students who are inquisitive and excited to learn. We come from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Teaching Kinder-Kids is such an exciting experience. Every year, I get to see young minds grow into fluent readers and writers, mathematicians, and problem solvers.
Our school district has a high poverty rate, however, our families are engaged in their children’s learning and are loyal to our schools.
Our entire staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of all our students. We provide a rigorous academic program and we have been recognized by the state as a school that ‘Significantly Exceeds Expectations’ for student achievement, student growth, educational equity and preparing students for educational milestones, including college and career readiness. Our school community is a great place to learn, work, and play.
My Project
In a well planned out early learning environment, young minds are deeply immersed in imaginary play. Play is not a luxury, it is a necessity! In the dramatic play center, I can hear Andrea say, "I am the mommy and I am going to feed the baby!" Andrea's imagination and role playing is a key piece in her social and emotional development. Andrea is engaged in cooperative play.
My husband built a beautiful dramatic play center for my classroom.
However, our playhouse stove is missing knobs, our sink is missing the wash tub for dishes, and the refrigerator has loose hinges on its doors. Our dramatic play center is in serious need of a "Chip & Joanna" kitchen make-over, providing updated and safer equipment, such as the Carolina Kitchen Set. Our new Lots of Love Multicultural Dolls will help promote a positive climate for all my students. These durable dolls are washable and will provide years of pretend play for my young students.
I am also requesting additional table toys, such as the Junior Engineer Set, IO Blocks, Popoids, and Mobilo sets to boost planning, designing, and problem solving skills. These toys are open ended activities that promote spacial concepts while building fine motor muscles and endurance. These additional tools will captivate our imaginations and provide enough pieces for small groups of children to engage in without creating conflict among their peers over a shortage of supplies.
By furnishing a rich, playful environment, I am providing my students a developmentally appropriate approach to serious learning.
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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. Bennis and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.