My students start the morning with play but struggle to play appropriately. This is one of the many challenges they are faced with daily. My goal is to give them the proper materials, instruction and opportunities to develop the skills needed to play. I teach at a Title I school in Missouri where all students receive free breakfast and lunch every day.
My students are a fun loving bunch of 3 and 4 year olds who attend an integrated program, special education students with regular education peers.
My students are natural, enthusiastic learners. Their impulse to ask questions, to investigate, and to explore, examine and experiment, comes from a curiosity about their world and a desire to understand things. They learn, grow, and internalize experiences with each other, adults, and real materials that require all their senses. For this reason, I spend thoughtful time planning diverse learning centers, with open-ended activities and hands-on materials to use throughout the school year. My goal is to provide them with a curriculum that emphasizes: communication, language, social skills, play, imagination, creativity, engagement, self-management, and academics. I also strive to provide fun and interactive opportunities to keep them engaged and eager to learn.
My Project
Our program is centered based. All materials requested will be used at center time to enhance their learning. We address academics (colors, shapes, letters, big/little, patterns, sorting), fine motor for pencil grasp (peg board, using twisters) and senses (sensory table items, smocks so we don't get wet, fishing game). We also need bins to put all our centers into! Lastly, we have to walk to our playground which is a walk across a parking lot. We are requesting a walking line to keep us all safe!
Play is an active form of learning that involves the whole self.
The donations we receive will make a huge difference in the program that I am able to offer my students. The materials will enhance student learning and provide a better quality learning experience! They will build vocabulary, speaking and listening skills through interactions with peers. Kids need time to play!
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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. Ralls and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
