Past projects 13
Kinder Thinkers and Doers!
Funded Aug 15, 2016Dear Donors,
Our new STEM bundle has been an exciting addition to our kindergarten classroom. I am always eager to incorporate activities and materials that inspire my students to question, test, and problem solve. During our literacy studies, we have been reading and exploring various traditional fairy tales, like The Three Little Pigs and The Three Billy Goats Gruff. Several of the STEM kits were based on the fairy tales we were reading which made them a fun bonus and allowed a more interdisciplinary study. After reading various versions of The Three Little Pigs, my students worked in groups to plan a wolf-proof structure with one kit's building materials. After putting their plan into action and constructing the "house," the Big Bad Hairdryer (Wolf) attempted to blow it down. My kids were so excited to test their structures and even more thrilled when nearly all withstood the "attack." Afterward, they made any structural redesigns necessary and tried again. There were great conversations, strong teamwork, and much thinking going on long after, as the kit is a favorite during choice stations.
Another fun kit was one where the kids had to design different tracks for a ball to go through and trip a flag at the end. They were definitely challenged to keep the ball moving on the track all the way to the end. I love listening to their thinking and problem-solving attempts. Several students were using whiteboards to plan their track, testing, and redesigning. It is wonderful to watch 5-year-olds working so hard to solve a problem. Sometimes we forget how capable they can be if provided with appropriate and engaging materials.
When our kits first arrived, the children helped me unpack and squeals of glee were heard as each item was pulled from the box. They have begged to try everything out and can't get enough of feeling like they are "playing" although many academic skills are being covered. We have not used all of the materials and I am eager to continue adding new kits to our program. After testing the materials in a more guided and structured fashion, I like to move them to be learning station materials that children can explore in small groups. Each time they try new things and test new strategies. I know they will spend many hours with these materials as they discover new ways to solve problems and as their skill levels increase over the year, they will explore at higher cognitive levels. These materials have a science, math, and engineering focus and it is wonderful to see the girls in my class just as engaged as the boys.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Morrison
This classroom project was brought to life by Lakeshore and 6 other donors.Active Bodies, Active Minds!
Funded Oct 7, 2016Thank you so much for your commitment to students and for helping my kindergarteners be more active, focused, and healthy! Without supporters like you, our kids would miss out on so many great opportunities and experiences. I can't to share these wobble chairs with my class as they are so eager to have more options to be active in the classroom. Thank you again for caring and giving!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Morrison
Bounce, Jump, and Bend to Better Health and Smarter Brains!
Funded Sep 13, 2016Thank you so much for your generosity in helping my class to learn and grow this year! My kindergarteners are off to an exciting start this year and it will just keep get better with support like this. We can't wait to receive our goodies so we can add another dimension to our learning. Thank you again from the bottoms of our hearts!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Morrison
This classroom project was brought to life by Target and 2 other donors.