My students need sand toys, a storage shed in which to store them, and a bench for teachers to supervise the students as they play and interact together.
In this ever-changing, fast-paced world filled with technology and constant distraction, adults often forget what Mr. Rogers taught us: "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."
There are sixty-two kindergartners divided among three classes at our school.
Our kindergartners are a heterogeneous cross-section of children from a range of socioeconomic groups, varied ethnicities, and diverse cultural backgrounds. Our school is known for having a highly invitational climate. In fact, our motto is: The School Where Everyone Belongs! We strive for each student to feel included, valued and important. For our kindergartners, we endeavor to carry out developmentally appropriate practices that meet the various needs, ability levels and learning styles of diverse learners. Our K-6 school is very large, but the atmosphere is very welcoming and intimate. Our kindergartners feel excited about learning because we seek to match our instruction to how 5- and 6-year-olds view the world! We seek to design learning that is meaningful, engaging, active, concrete, hands-on, child-centered, interest-based, playful, and FUN! As such, school and the real world are connected.
My Project
How long has it been since you played in the sand? Do you remember the feel of it between your fingers? Can you recall how it felt to dig down in the sand to discover that it was cooler, moister, finer than the sand on the surface? Wow! Sand is exciting stuff! Sand play is one of the most integral parts of early learning. Sand play is very open-ended and allows the student to explore in his/ her own way. It engages the senses and encourages fine-motor skills, social interaction and language development as students share ideas, pretend, brainstorm, collaborate and take turns together. Sand play ignites creativity and problem-solving. It is math, science, and social studies all rolled into one delightful experience! The requested sand toys and storage shed for them, as well as the teacher bench for close supervision, will get kids involved with sand and all that sand play has to offer to children's learning! Play is the work of children, and sand play is a dynamic teacher!
At this time, there is only ONE playground option for kindergartners: a climbing structure.
The climbing structure is a wonderful play opportunity, but it does not address the likes/ needs of all students. A sand play area with a storage shed and place for teachers to sit and observe would make our playground more appealing to a wider range of students with varying interests. The climbing structure encourages large motor play, but sand play involves not only the muscles, but also the mind.
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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. Smith and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.