Over the years I have noticed that since there has been a push to start academics earlier and earlier, the students in my classes are having difficulty with their fine motor skills. Many of them are unable to zip their clothing by themselves. Most are unable to tie their shoelaces.
I teach four year old children in a large, urban school in New York City.
My little students are fun, excited, clever, silly, loving, kind, energetic, caring, and very sweet. Unfortunately, low income schools such as mine cannot always provide the materials needed for these wonderful children. The materials I am requesting will certainly stimulate and engage my young students so that they can all have a magical year in pre-k. This year we presented modeling clay to the children, as a first experience with clay. Children explored with their fingers, touching, poking, and scraping this material. Eventually, each child was given a small ball of clay to work with. Some made balls, coils, some slapped the clay mimicking our wedging/flattening techniques, and some were hesitant in their explorations. Several made sculptures and gave their work a name. Their conversations expressed their thinking about this new medium. We are out of clay and I am hoping to be funded so we can do it again next year.
My Project
Many of our students are having difficulty with their fine motor skills.
Independently dressing themselves in a challenge for most of the children. Teaching handwriting is very difficult. To combat these problems, I make the students use their fine motor skills to make cut-outs of letters, shapes and numbers with dough. This way they are learning their alphabet and numerals and at the same time strengthening their fine motor skills. This also helps identify the type of learning style of the student. The children will use the model magic to make models of their favorite animals. These models are then painted. The students then write stories about their animals. We also use these animals in dioramas. Air drying clay was a fantastic invention. The children can make pinch pots, bead necklaces and all sorts of things. It is easy to shape and dries overnight. The children then have the opportunity to paint them. We also are in need of modeling clay for another type of clay experience.
We would love to be able to supply my students with enough dough, clay and model magic for many types of projects.
The students really enjoy these activities. More importantly, I see an improvement in their fine motor skills which is reflected in their handwriting, their drawing, and even in tying their shoes. Please help my students develop their fine motor skills in a fun and productive way. Creativity should not be stifled in any way, please give my students' these wonderful opportunities.
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. Kelly and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
