My kindergarteners love to learn using hands-on manipulatives while participating in authentic play. They love to use the letters to build words, create math problems using counters and learn about science though experiments.
Through this approach, they are learning social skills as well as academics in a highly engaging environment.
Most of the time they are having so much fun, they don't even know they are learning. I know I have done my job well when they think they are just playing.
My Project
The light and sensory table will benefit my entire class. The students will be able to learn through play and exploration.
This activity table will be their favorite part of the day.
I will be able to work on letters, numbers, phonics skills, vowel patterns, rhymes, addition, and subtraction, as well as many other topics, in a highly engaging center experience. I plan on coordinating the sensory materials with our weekly themes.
The project will have a sensory table with a lid. Inside the sensory table I will use materials such as colored rice, dried pasta, water beads, sand and seasonal materials. The students will be able to search through the sensory materials to find letter tiles, shape tiles, number tiles, foam shapes, and number dominos to complete activities. The project will also include two light pads. The translucent tiles may be used on the light pad for an enhanced visual experience.
For example, in December, students will find letter tiles buried in the sensory bin filled with tinsel and mini plastic ornaments. They will use the letters to build and record their sight words.
The possibilities with this table are endless. I can use it as part of my main instruction as well remediation for struggling students that need a more tactile approach to a topic.
Kids' Station by Peffer Cabinets KS-PL1827BIR STATION TODDLER SENSORY TABLE WITH LID
• Amazon Business
$139.90
1
$139.90
Picture/Perfect Best Light Box for Tracing ~ Ultra Thin Portable LED Light Pad with Advanced Filter to Prevent Eye Fatigue, Plus Free Paper Holder Clamp, A4 9"x13" Table with Hi-Mid-Low Brightness
• Amazon Business
$24.39
2
$48.78
Learning Resources View-Thru Geometric Solids, 14 Pieces
• Amazon Business
$17.57
1
$17.57
UMIKU Water Beads 50000 Icy Soft Water Gel Orbeez Beads Pearls Growing Jelly Balls Splendid Colors for Water beads Pool, Kids Tactile Sensory Toys, Plants Vases, Party and Home Decoration
• Amazon Business
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. Goselin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.