Past projects 22
Ergonomic- the Just Right Fit for Preschoolers
Funded Sep 7, 2018Each day we gather at our community center for a daily message and to plan our day. The ergonomic seating has truly helped our students with issues concentrating to be engaged and has increased their focus. For our students who have physical challenges, the bouncy seating has allowed them to work on trunk stability and movement that is needed for students with hyperactivity. The students were so excited to see the variety of new seats that we got and they have not lost one bit of that enthusiasm as they go to our gathering each day.
As we look to the future, we would love to add additional ergonomic seating that will aid more students in becoming engaged and addressing their physical needs. We are currently looking into some seating that is flexible like a foam chair, a bag chair, and a tilt chair.
These chairs have truly opened our thinking and made us more aware of small changes that can be made in our classroom environment that make such a big difference in student engagement. Thank you for all that you have done for children in our school.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Preddie-Allen
S.T.E.A.M. Matching My STYLE
Funded Sep 8, 2018I can not begin to express the dramatic difference I have seen in my student's interest and engagement with our new STEAM materials. I have two students who are challenged with Autism syndrome Spectrum delays. These students have gravitated to the natural sounds instruments that your donations provided and has allowed them to engage in new ways. I also have several students who have communication delays and often have a difficult time expressing their thoughts, ideas, desires, and interest. I have watched as they eagerly explore the science blocks and slides on the light table. They are truly mesmerized by the details they can see in the leaves, bugs, and plants. This has increased their spontaneous communication as they are excited to ask questions and thoughts about what they are seeing.
I know that this early STEAM experience will launch a future love for science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics that will have a positive impact on their educational experiences. You will forever be a part of their school experience because you have provided them with materials that are strengthening their educational experience in a meaningful way that is designed to match their learning needs.
Thank you so much for helping us put these STEAM materials in the hands of our students.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Preddie-Allen
The Mindful Classroom.
Funded Jan 26, 2018Our classroom has been transformed into a tranquil space that allows students to be calm, and creative. Our mindful space includes light covers that are nature scenes of blue skies, with clouds, the calming and soothing aromas and gentle tones from the chimes as we transition from one activity to the next. The children are amazingly responsive to the chimes and move immediately when its gentle tone rings out in the classroom. The atmosphere in our classroom was immediately transformed from the very first day. The children entered the classroom and immediately commented on the lighting, sounds and a visible transformation took place. I have had guest teachers comment on the calm that has taken over my preschool classroom. We are practicing mindful thinking and I have noticed how much my students have learned during this school year. They are truly learning and thinking independently. As we look to the future we would like to add nature sounds and soft seating for children to use during mindful exercises or during small groups as an alternative to classroom chairs. Thank you for your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Preddie-Allen
This classroom project was brought to life by The First Million Fund and 4 other donors.