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Goal

The goal of STEM items purchased is to spark an interest in, and hunger for, discovering the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) by providing my Voluntary Pre- Kindergarten students the opportunity to use hands on materials as they explore, observe, ask questions, predict, and learn about the world around them. Purchased items such as tweezers, puzzles magnetic tiles, engineering toys, gears, individual sensory bins and a Geo-Safari Talking Microscope will enable students to learn as they play. These various materials will help connect the concepts taught in class with the outside world which in return will help with the Bright Beginnings assessment given to Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Students each year. 

What will be done with my students

STEM items that will be useful are individual sensory binds for each student (these will be plastic pencil cases). Inside of these sensory binds we will be able to place items such as rice, corn, water, cotton, etc. Then we will hide magnetic letters for each student, shapes, numbers and words. The student will use hands and tweezers to find the hidden treasures and then apply the “treasure” to a concept being discussed and taught each week, such as; color, size, shape, and species. Puzzles will challenge young minds to think in a new critical way. In my Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten class, students will use magnetic tiles to discover how shapes connect to each other as well as discovering how structures are created. This concept will also be translated through the use of engineering toys, such as gears. The item requested titled “Geo-Safari Talking Microscope” will let students see items up close and look at details. This will also allow them to see similarities and differences. Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten is a unique opportunity for young students to experience a play-based learning approach and items requested will help students observe that learning happens all around, not just with a pencil and paper. 

Benefits to my students

As an educator for the Walton District School System, I plan to include these items in my A Playing Approach Stem Education Grant in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program curriculum at Bay School. This will benefit approximately 12 students ranging from age four to five. Pre-K students all share the ability to learn best in daily interactions and life and the environment around them without the pressures often associated in classrooms that do not include the freedom of play. It is imperative that Pre-Kindergarten students have access to education practices and resources that boost and escalate their budding love for learning. Because of common characteristics, abilities and social-emotional development of my students, they will benefit most when needs are met by providing hands on activities that coincide with the curriculum and units of study. 

Budget Narrative

These items can be found on Amazon.com. They would be a massive benefit in the education of Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten students. All monies received would be greatly appreciated and well used!  

Items