I work at a very special STEM school. We are a high poverty school with more than 24 different languages spoken. Our school is located in Blaine, MN. For a lot of our students, school is their place to play, explore and work their motor muscles.
Our students thrive through hands-on learning and manipulation of materials.
A huge part of kindergarten is learning through play. During distance learning, play is very hard to incorporate through online lessons. My kindergarteners are watching me teacher through a screen. 5 and 6 year olds need to work their fine motor muscles and problem solve. As distance learning is being extended, engagement during my online lessons is dwindling. They need fun and different ways to be online while gaining the skills needed to be successful writers.
Our 5 and 6 year olds are also very busy. They need hands on tools to differentiate their learning and to keep them engaged.
My Project
Children weren't built to sit and stare at a screen. Unfortunately, due to our current pandemic, that is exactly what I am asking my students to do everyday of the week. I need creative ways to teach them online while they they are manipulating materials at home.
With the use use of Play-Doh, my students can build, spell, count, create, reflect, problem solve, and play!
I can teach my lessons online and my students can use Play-Doh to show their answers. For example, they can spell their sight words with Play-Doh and take a picture to show me. They can use the Play-Doh for subtraction or addition number stories. They can use this tool to help engage their curiosity and keep the learning going while they are at home. It is a win-win for all my students!
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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. Thate and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
