"Children are not passive absorbers of knowledge; rather, they are active constructors of concepts." ~Bronson and Merryman
I teach twenty four and five-year-olds.
They are very active, curious, and always eager to see what the day will bring. I also have mainstreamed special education children in my class. Eighty percent of the students at our Title I school qualify for free or reduced price lunch. Our school is located in a high poverty area and we have very few resources. Our school budget was cut again this year.
My Project
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." ~Mr. Rogers. Some of the most important lessons we learn we learn through play, the most important lesson being playing well with others.
The materials I am requesting will make a huge difference in the lives of my students.
When children engage in dramatic play they are actively experimenting with the social and emotional roles of life. Through cooperative play, they learn how to take turns, share responsibility, and creatively problem-solve. Language skills are also developed. Children learn through dramatic play that words give the means to reenact a story, resolve conflict, or organize play. This process helps them make the connection between spoken and written language, a skill that will later help them learn to read. Problem solving skills along with the development of a vivid imagination can also come about through dramatic play. The addition of a child-size chair, tree seats and accent pillows in our pretend center will give my students the opportunity to excel in their social, emotional, creative, and problem solving skills.
This project is important because it will encourage the development of skills that will be used for a lifetime in these students' lives. Social and emotional skills are tools that will be used throughout their education. The majority of Pre-K is about teaching children to problem solve and get along with others. The chair, tree seats and accent pillows will allow my students to practice and develop these vital skills.
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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 Ms. McClanahan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
