Past projects 2
Calm Corner Supplies
Funded Dec 29, 2023Your generous donation has made a difference in my classroom. Thank you.
First graders learn to navigate the academic and social complexities of school while also learning how to manage their own feelings and emotions. They practice being away from home all day, interacting with a wide variety of peers and educators, following a specific schedule, organizing materials, developing fine and gross motor skills, learning through activities in all subject areas (reading, writing, speaking, listening, math, social studies, science, health, art, physical education, music, etc.).
The cognitive load for these very young students is very high, and many often feel overwhelmed or unable to express their needs. As they develop and grow, having tools to positively calm, distract, and engage themselves in moments of stress is key. As we've been learning as teachers doing work about learning and the human brain, when students can self regulate, they are able to remain in their executive state rather than their emotional or survival state. In a classroom, with the majority of students regulated, more learning can take place. This allows comfort and success rather than frustration and chaos.
My students were overjoyed and excited when I introduced the various fidgets, calm strips, kinetic sand and other sensory/emotional regulation options. They have been well used over the last few months, providing countless moments of greater peace for themselves and others. And the tools are fun!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Meg
Cooperative Games
Funded Aug 2, 2023Thank you so much for your generosity in donating for my classroom to have sets of board games! Being able to have kids participate in small groups, learning the same game at the same time, is such a great community and skill building opportunity. These young students are learning to manage feelings around winning, losing, cooperating, and encouraging others. It may seem small to play a board game, but there is a lot that goes into it for a first grader! To start they have to be assigned a team of other kids, and be guided in language and reaction for how they are going to respond to working with a surprise group. They also have to learn the basic steps and rules to playing the game, and be able to navigate problem solving when things come up that don't quite fit within the parameters of the specific rules. Next is the set up and figuring out how to sit/stand and orient the board so all can participate. Then they have to figure out which color/character each will be and who goes first, second... After all that, kids negotiate turn taking, feelings of disappointment or excitement, voice volume regulation, positive language, problem solving. Sometimes the game pieces get bumped or moved accidentally and they have to be good sports to estimate where they were and agree to move on. Or they have to end the game early and save until later. All amazing learning!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Meg
This classroom project was brought to life by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and one other donor.