"When do we get to play?" This is something that kindergarten teachers hear all too often. As the bar is continually raised and the expectations reach levels once thought unreachable, we are struggling to find a balance between pushing our students to succeed and allowing them time to just be five year olds.
I teach a wonderfully diverse group of nineteen kindergartners, who are eager to soak up everything we introduce to them.
We have the unique opportunity to house several nationalities and both extremes of the socioeconomic status. However, no matter the background, all students desire the freedom to learn through exploration. And, it is my goal to give them that opportunity.
My Project
Kindergarten is a whole new world compared to what we experienced so many years ago. Where we used to be able to learn though play and socialization, we now have state requirements to fulfill and mandated curriculum to teach.
What happened to giving our students time to learn through exploration and creation?
That is exactly what we plan to do! Each morning we want to give our students an opportunity to come into the classroom and experience the freedom to create and explore through a variety of hands-on materials that masks itself as play.
Through using materials such as circuts, Erector Sets, balancing games, magnetic building blocks, marble runs, Spirograph Sets, and dominos, students are able to use their imaginations to create and build. They are using beginning engineering skills, while just enjoying the time to create.
Students will need to use all parts of their brain as they work their way through a variety of literacy and creation based stations.
We can not wait to see the joy in our students' faces as they start their days with something that is both engaging and educational.
Hippococo Magnetic 3D Building Blocks with Marble Run Game: New Innovative STEM Educational Toy for Boys/Girls, Durable, Sturdy & Safe Construction Set, Promote Kids Creativity & Imagination (60 PCS)
• Amazon Business
$84.97
1
$84.97
Award Winning Hape Dynamo Kid's Wooden Domino Set
• Amazon Business
$31.32
2
$62.64
ScienceWiz - Cool Circuits Puzzle Game
• Amazon Business
$30.81
2
$61.62
Learning Resources Geometric Shapes Building Set
• Amazon Business
$30.17
2
$60.34
[Bonus Bag] Simbans JB 148 pcs 5-in-1 Build and Play Toy Set | Kids STEM Educational DIY Building Kit for 8, 9, 10 Year Old Boys, Girls | 5, 6, 7 yr Old can Build with Help | Best Creative Fun Gift
• Amazon Business
$28.94
2
$57.88
Jasonwell Magnetic Tiles Creative Magnetic Building Blocks Set for Boys Girls STEM Preschool Educational Construction Kit Magnet Stacking Toys for Kids Toddlers Children
• Amazon Business
$27.99
2
$55.98
Award Winning Hape Bamboo Stormy Seas Playset
• Amazon Business
$25.00
2
$50.00
Ipienlee Spirograph 27pcs ABS Painting Set Interlocking Gears Wheels Drawing Accessories Creative Educational Toy for Children
• Amazon Business
$15.99
2
$31.98
GearRoot 400PCS Mini Building Blocks Toy STEM Educational Toys Building Bricks Block Set to Make Multiple Shape Objects (Cartoon Minifigures, Vehicles, Animals) for 3+ Kids Boys Girls- 15 Colour
• Amazon Business
$9.99
2
$19.98
Materials cost
$485.39
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$7.28
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$522.67
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$92.24
Total project goal
$614.91
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$614.91
3 Donors
-$522.67
Donations toward project cost
-$522.67
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Allen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.