My students need natural shelving and storage for loose parts, purposeful play and sensory materials, as well as natural decor to provide a calming environment.
My students are in pre-k. They attend a GE Title I school. Our students come from a variety of different economic backgrounds with over 70% of our students receiving free lunch. Some come from homes where they do not have much consistency in their lives.
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning." - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
The pre-K age is full of energy and curiosity. They are dreamers, thinkers, talkers, and questioners. We have to keep them busy at all times. In school, students can seek out a consistent lifestyle.
My Project
Many educational experts have spoken about the importance of play and exploration in early childhood, but educational trends have pushed schools in an opposite direction. In an attempt to stay true to the needs of young children, I’ve been reading about the Reggio Emilia approach to classroom design and education, as well as the theory of loose parts. Based on this approach, I believe that changing my classroom environment so that it is the “third teacher” will expand my students' ability to think critically and independently.
Play is the time for children to practice what they are learning.
I am requesting two small shelves that will allow children to access materials and to make their own choices, trays that will act as organizers to encourage exploration with “loose parts,” and grass for the block center that will encourage investigations.
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. Anderson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
