Hands on Learning Experiences Create Neurological Pathways for Future Success

Funded Mar 1, 2023

Your donation has been put to good use. The students are able to use the materials daily on our playground. The students work together to push the ball cart to and from the Pre-K playground. The students enjoy having all the materials accessible in one location. Throughout our time outside, students are free to get a ball, hoola hoop, tissue, sanitizer, sidewalk chalk, paint for the easels, or even the pretend food and dishes for our outdoor pretend area. The cart is a great transportation device for all the items we use on a daily basis on our playground. Our outdoor easels are used daily for our students who love to create. The students enjoy painting or practicing their numbers or letters. They especially love being able to spray the easel with the water spray bottle and using a squiggie to clean the paint off for the next person. Overall, I feel that the students have benefited positively from your donations. We are seeing more interactions and more language development. The cart and easels have provided more opportunities for students to talk to one another.

When the boxes arrived to our hallway the students were so excited. They did not realize what was in the boxes but they were excited that they were getting new materials. I then pulled up the pictures of the items online and there was a total moment of cheering and clapping. Then we went out in the hallway and took our pictures with the big boxes. Once we were done taking pictures, students watched as the teaching team opened the boxes. There was more clapping and more cheering. Then it was time for dismissal, and some of the students said, "Bye new stuff" before leaving the classroom. That evening, myself and another Pre-K teacher put together the items and got them ready for the next morning.

The next morning there were lots of hugs when the class saw that the materials were ready for use. At one point the line engulfed me into one giant hug! We finally made it outside and one student said, "It was so easy to push and all the stuff is in one place." Another student said, "I like painting outside. It is my favorite." Overall I am grateful for this experience and your donations. Your donation will benefit many students for years to come.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Angela