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This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Motta from Griswold, CT is requesting educational kits & games through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

See what Mrs. Motta is requesting

Importance of Manipulative Materials and Alternative Seating in Kindergarten

Help me give my students these materials to support their learning of concepts learned in kindergarten including alternative seating options as they learn, play, and interact with one another.

  • $915 goal

This project expired on June 4, 2024.

This project expired on June 4, 2024.

My Project

In the dynamic world of education, it's crucial to adapt teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students. This concept is particularly essential in a kindergarten classroom, as this is a formative stage in a child's educational journey. Two such strategies that kindergarten teachers can utilize are manipulative materials and alternative seating options. Both are instrumental to children's development and growth, providing meaningful and engaging learning experiences.

Manipulative materials are physical objects that students can handle, manipulate, and interact with, thus providing a tangible, hands-on approach to learning.

These materials, ranging from blocks and puzzles to paint and playdough, allow children to physically engage with concepts they're learning. Manipulative materials are key for cognitive development. They provide an opportunity for children to learn through exploration and experimentation, aiding in the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. For example, puzzles can help students understand spatial relationships, while counting blocks can demonstrate mathematical concepts. Manipulative materials also encourage the development of fine motor skills. By handling small objects, children strengthen their hand-eye coordination and dexterity, essential skills for writing, drawing, and other physical tasks. Furthermore, these materials foster creativity and imagination. Materials like building blocks or art supplies allow children to express themselves freely and creatively, promoting innovation and self-expression.

Alternative seating options, such as balance balls, wobble chairs, or floor cushions, serve a multitude of purposes in a kindergarten classroom. Firstly, they cater to the physical development of children. Sitting in traditional chairs for extended periods can be challenging for young students. Alternative seating options encourage movement and offer comfort, supporting children's physical well-being. Alternative seating also improves concentration and engagement. By providing these options, teachers can cater to each student's unique needs, ensuring a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

Mrs. Motta Griswold Elementary School Grades PreK-2

Equity Focus

This project directly supports students at a historically underfunded school. Learn more about our Equity Focus.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

More about Mrs. Motta

Griswold, CT View local requests

More than half of students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

20 students impacted

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes
Materials Cost Quantity Total
Kore Kids Wobble Stool - Green, 14" Tall • Blick Art Materials $60.14 2 $120.28
Norwood Commercial Furniture Assorted Color Kid-Size Stack Stool Set- Stackable Stools - Flexible Seating for Home, Children's Tables, School Classrooms - Plastic/Metal (Pack of 5), 12" Height • Amazon Business $111.64 1 $111.64
Fun and Function – My Magical Cushion – Wiggle Seat Cushion for Fidgeting, Focusing and Core Balance – Sensory Tool for Children with Special Needs - 13” Diameter, Blue, Ages 3+ • Amazon Business $39.02 2 $78.04
Torlam Magnetic Ten-Frame Set - Math Manipulative for Elementary - 5 Ten Frames & 55 Magnetic Math Counters for Kids, Math Games for Kindergarten (Upgraded Version for Hand-held & 2 Black Pens) • Amazon Business $17.99 4 $71.96
hand2mind Elkonin Boxes Magnetic Dry Erase Boards Set, Phonemic Awareness, Speech Therapy Materials, Letter Sounds for Kindergarten Phonics, Science of Reading Manipulatives (Set of 8) • Amazon Business $56.39 1 $56.39
Galt Toys Mega Marble Run - 100 Pieces • Kaplan Early Learning Company $55.76 1 $55.76
edxeducation-13228 Junior Rainbow Pebbles - Clear Colors - Mini Jar - Ages 18M+ - Sorting and Stacking Stones - Early Math Manipulative for Children - First Counting and Construction Toy • Amazon Business $20.80 2 $41.60
RAINBOW TOYFROG Waffle Blocks for Toddlers & Kids 96 Pcs Jumbo Toy Building Sets– STEM Building Toys with Storage Container –Kindergarten Toys Preschool manipulatives for Toddlers • Amazon Business $38.66 1 $38.66
Lakeshore Snap & Build CVC Words • Lakeshore Learning Materials $29.99 1 $29.99
JoyCat Ice Cream Counting and Color Sorting Set for Toddlers and Kids- 65 Pieces, Montessori Stacking Fine Motor Skills Toys, Math Manipulatives Learning Toys with Storage Tub • Amazon Business $24.99 1 $24.99
Constructive Playthings Translucent Pattern Blocks, Light Table Manipulatives, STEM Toys, Sensory Play, Create, Build and Design, Color Exploration, Set of 147 Blocks, Toys for Kids 3 Years and Up • Amazon Business $18.20 1 $18.20
Aizweb Ten-Frame Pop Board-Math Manipulative for Elementary,Math Fidget Sensory Toy,Montessori Educational Toy Gift for Kindergarten Classroom Kids 3 4 5 Year Old (Upgraded Version for 20 Task Cards) • Amazon Business $17.99 1 $17.99
Coogam Wooden Short Vowel Reading Letters Sorting Spelling Games, Site CVC Words Learning Flashcards Alphabet Puzzle Montessori Educational Toy Gift for Kids 3 4 5 Years Old • Amazon Business $16.98 1 $16.98
Learning Resources Uppercase Alphabet Stamp Set • Kaplan Early Learning Company $15.29 1 $15.29
Learning Resources Lowercase Alphabet Stamps Set • Kaplan Early Learning Company $15.29 1 $15.29
Junior Learning CVC Word Builders Activity Cards • Amazon Business $11.45 1 $11.45
Aizweb CVC Word Builder,Phonics Games Flash Cards for Preschool Kindergarten Classroom,Montessori Special Education Reading Manipulative Spelling Toy for Learning Activity Teacher School Supplies • Amazon Business $9.99 1 $9.99

Materials cost

$734.50

Vendor shipping charges

 $1.50

Sales tax

 $0.00

3rd party payment processing fee

$11.02

Fulfillment labor & materials

$30.00

Total project cost

$777.02

Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms

$137.12

Total project goal

$914.14

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Motta and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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