My students are eager learners. They come to school with joy in their hearts and smiles on their faces. School is a place full of new adventures, experiences, and friends. They soak it all in. They constantly amaze me with how much they know, how quickly they learn, and how hard they work.
Their socioeconomic status does not define them.
The majority of my students receive free breakfast and lunch. They come from diverse backgrounds, but they all come to school to learn in an environment where they are given a chance. They all deserve that chance.
Our school was finally able to bring back our pre-k program this year. Starting with an empty classroom in August, we pulled together resources from every place possible, even garage sales and thrift stores. Our entire campus came together to make our classroom a warm and inviting place for our school's youngest learners, but we are still in need of math materials that are not readily available through these resources.
My Project
Young children learn best with hands-on activities. The Magna-Tiles, Foam Number Dice, Wooden Pattern Blocks, and Counting & Shape Match-Up games will be used in small group math lessons to help students learn about numbers, patterns, colors, and shapes. Over time the children will learn how to use these materials without relying on an adult. At this point the items will be moved to learning centers where students explore, create, and play at their own pace. Center time is the high light of the day for my students. My students think they are "just playing" during center time, but they are learning so many things! In addition to the academic skills, children are developing social skills, language skills, and self help skills....all while they are "just playing".
Work is play and play is work for young children.
While these items may look like toys, they offer numerous benefits for my four and five year old students. Thank you for helping me teach my students in the way that is most meaningful to them, by letting them play.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play IS serious learning. Play really is the work of childhood." -Fred Rogers
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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. Hardison and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
