Past projects 22
Some Dramatic Play, Every Day! Time to Dress Up!
Funded Aug 28, 2014Thank you for your very generous donations. My students absolutely love their dramatic play items! They were so excited when they were first introduced into our dramatic play area. Whenever someone puts on a community helper hat, the first thing they usually say is, "Look at me. I'm a (doctor, fire fighter, etc.)" Their excitement about these materials can be seen daily.
The materials are located in our dramatic play center. The coat tree allows us to keep our dress up supplies in order so the students can easily find what they are looking for. During centers, the students take turns dressing up and acting as the worker they are dressed as. Some of the materials, such as the vet center and doctor kit, lend themselves beautifully to cooperative play among the students.
Our class completed a unit about community helpers. Many children were familiar with these jobs, but by giving them the opportunity to dress up as a police officer, construction worker, etc., they were able practice using the vocabulary related to these professions that they learned during lessons and books that were read aloud. It provided the chance to interact and play with classmates, while learning. The students practiced turn taking when several children all wanted to be the veterinarian. They really enjoyed reading the x-rays and listening to the puppies heart. This scenario also provided an opportunity for me to expand their vocabulary by introducing words such as heartbeat and stethoscope. The construction worker outfit allowed the students to use their imagination and describe a construction site. The children were also able to act out what they imagined what happening on the site. While taking a walk one day, I was so happy to hear my students using some of the vocabulary they learned through play when they saw a police officer! To me, that was proof that our new supplies were enhancing learning in the classroom.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Keenan Ellul
This classroom project was brought to life by Gates Foundation Back To School and 4 other donors.Learning Our Letters in a Hands on Way!
Funded Apr 13, 2014Thank you again for your generous donation. After I had introduced the materials to the children, the magnetic puzzle and tactile letters became a class favorite. When we played Bingo, the students were so focused. They asked to play often. Although the puzzle was challenging because it required good hand/eye coordination, the children were determined to complete the puzzle. They were persistent, so they succeeded! One child was overheard saying, "I like moving the letters around. I know my letters." It was nice to hear them expressing their confidence with the task.
These materials were very motivating, and were especially helpful to hands on learners. I am looking forward to using these materials with future students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Keenan Ellul