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Goal

The goal of this project is to enhance the learning environment for my second-grade students, particularly those who are low-performing, by incorporating hands-on, collaborative learning tools that address different learning modalities. The double-sided teaching easel and phonics kits will provide opportunities for students to engage in cooperative learning, allowing them to work through concepts with peers, while also supporting individual and small-group instruction. Ultimately, I aim to increase student engagement, improve phonics and literacy skills, and create a more inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive. 

 

Category

Learning Aids - Sunshine state book sets, robotics kits, puzzle boards, science models, engineering supplies, etc. 

 

What will be done with my students

With the double-sided whiteboard easel, I will divide students into small groups, each assigned to one side of the easel to work collaboratively. One side of the easel is lined, which will allow students to practice writing with attention to letter size, spacing, and alignment. This is crucial as they transition from primary lined paper to standard notebook paper, which is expected in 3rd grade. By using the lined side of the easel, students will gain visual support in improving their handwriting and organization of written work.

The easel’s mobility allows us to use it flexibly in various parts of the classroom, and its magnetic surface and chart paper hooks will enable us to incorporate visual and tactile resources, such as magnetic letters or word cards, to reinforce literacy skills.

Additionally, the phonics kits will be used in small group or one-on-one settings, providing struggling students with hands-on manipulatives. These kits will make abstract phonics concepts more concrete, helping students develop essential reading skills like sound recognition, blending, and word-building. 

 

Benefits to my students

The double-sided teaching easel and phonics kits will provide several key benefits for my students, particularly those who are low-performing:

Improved Writing Skills: The lined side of the easel will help students focus on proper letter formation, size, and spacing, which are necessary for transitioning from primary lined paper to notebook paper. This practice will prepare them for the writing expectations they will encounter in 3rd grade.

Enhanced Collaboration: The easel’s double-sided design allows two groups to work simultaneously, fostering peer interaction and collaborative learning. Students will be able to explain concepts to one another, reinforcing their understanding while developing communication skills.

Increased Engagement: The interactive nature of the easel and the magnetic manipulatives will make lessons more dynamic and engaging. Students are more likely to participate and stay motivated when they can interact with physical learning tools.

Differentiated Instruction: The phonics kits provide a multi-sensory, hands-on approach that is especially effective for struggling students. These manipulatives allow me to tailor lessons to individual learning needs, helping close the achievement gap and building foundational literacy skills.

Confidence Building: The easel will allow students to practice and demonstrate their writing and phonics skills in front of peers, which fosters confidence. This also allows students to feel proud as they present their work and the knowledge that they have gained. The collaborative environment will also create a supportive classroom culture where all students, particularly those who are low-performing, feel empowered to contribute and succeed.

In summary, the requested materials will create a more dynamic, engaging, and supportive learning environment that addresses both the literacy and writing development of my low-performing students, helping them build confidence and prepare for the rest of their academic journey. 

 

Budget Narrative

The total cost for these items is approximately $800. The All-Purpose Mobile Teaching Easel from Lakeshore Learning is $608.78 after tax and shipping. The benefits of this easel over others is double sided, storage shelf, lined white board, hooks for chart paper, magnetic, and movable. The hand2mind Advancing Phonics Word Work Small Group Set is $96.29 after tax with free shipping, and I need two of them for my class totaling $192.58 to ensure a student to phonics set of 2:1.  

 

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