Our school is a 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
I have found that children learn best when they can practice the skills hands on. These alphabet learning tubs will give children the opportunity to explore letter sounds with objects that they can handle and manipulate.
Each tub contains letters that the children can trace with their finger and 6 objects in the form of toys that start with the same letter sound.
Imagine children holding a small ball, bat, and rainbow in their hand and having them sort out which one makes the /r/ sound. The small group, large group, and assessment opportunities are endless. Giving children the tools that they need to practice their letter sound skills will help prepare them for Kindergarten and what a fun way to do it!
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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.
