Novel Engineering has been such a wonderful bridge between the library and makerspace. Students have been actively listening and reading the stories so that they can identify problems. When we get to makerspace the following week, students are focused and know the task at hand. The students have worked well together and have enjoyed the overflow of library lessons into the makerspace. I have seen a real increase in their creativity. Students have especially enjoyed the originality encouraged with Novel Engineering.
Materials
Snap Into Circuits
The Snap Circuits became a fast favorite with my students. All students in grades 1st through 5th grade have been thoroughly enjoying their makerspace days with Snap Circuits. Students have been highly engaged and working so well in groups to complete numerous projects. They are so excited when they see a light come on or hear an alarm sound. Students have become great problem solvers and their knowledge of circuits has greatly improved because of this grant. Students will continue to benefit from this grant for years to come.
Lego Bricks for Math
This grant provided my students with some hands on tools to help them understand some of the most important math skills. Our class received Brick Math sets for Multiplication, Measurement and Fractions. I can work with my students in small groups using these manipulatives and it will just provide another avenue for them to understand the concepts. In addition to the math manipulatives I also received Literacy versa-tiles. The versa- tiles allow students to work on literacy skills on their own or in small groups, and they have a self check component which allows the students to get immediate feedback on their work.
Bringing Art to Our Kindergarten Centers
My students have enjoyed using our new art easel and supplies. It has been great seeing how each student expresses themselves through their artwork. The art easel is the perfect size for my young learners, and what I really enjoy is that it has a drying rack attached to it. Our old art easel did not have this and I usually was only able to have 2 students paint during our center time, now I am able to have more students participate daily. On the behalf of my students and myself, thank you so much for blessing our classroom.
Learning Board Games for Small Groups
The grant for learning board games for our small groups in 4th grade has been helpful, beneficial and just plain fun for our students. The kids look forward to small groups and mastering gaps in both reading and math skills. We have seen considerable effort and group support while the students are working together. Playing these board games has been a great learning tool for their social and emotional growth as well. The Woodland Hills 4th Grade Teachers and students would like to thank the Lawton Public School Foundation for the generous gift of learning for our classrooms!
Flexible Seating
This grant permitted us to purchase flexible seating ergonomic stools that allow the student’s body to have various positions and motions. Students can release their movement impulses while remaining focused on the lesson. The students are exhilarated to utilize the ergonomic stools in class. Thank you for your support in our students’ education!